Drop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drop

[drษ’p ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

falling from a height

To fall or allow something to fall vertically from a higher to a lower position. It can refer to liquids falling in drops or solid objects falling freely through the air.

Synonyms

descend, fall, plummet.

Examples of usage

  • The raindrops were gently dropping from the sky.
  • He dropped the ball and it rolled away.
Context #2 | Verb

letting something go

To release something from one's grasp or support, often inadvertently or by mistake. It can also refer to stopping the support or maintenance of something.

Synonyms

discard, let go, release.

Examples of usage

  • She dropped her keys while juggling her groceries.
  • The company decided to drop the project due to budget constraints.
Context #3 | Noun

a small round shape

A small quantity of liquid that forms or falls in a spherical shape. It can also refer to a small, round or pear-shaped portion of a liquid.

Synonyms

bead, driblet, globule.

Examples of usage

  • There were drops of water on the leaves after the rain.
  • Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the batter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, a drop refers to the falling of an object affected by gravity, showcasing principles like acceleration.
  • The shape of falling water drops is influenced by surface tension, illustrating complex interactions in nature.
  • Studies in fluid dynamics analyze how different sizes of drops behave in air and water, revealing the science behind everyday occurrences.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'drop the mic' signifies making a bold statement before leaving a discussion, often in performance arts.
  • In music, the term 'drop' can refer to a sudden change in rhythm or intensity within a song, energizing listeners.
  • Movies often use the concept of a 'drop scene,' where tension suddenly releases, creating surprise or excitement for viewers.

Psychology

  • People sometimes experience a 'drop' in mood, referring to sudden feelings of sadness or disappointment.
  • In learning, the 'drop-off' phenomenon explains how attention may falter suddenly during activities, affecting information retention.
  • In decision-making, a 'drop' can refer to a loss of confidence or clarity, leading to less effective choices.

Literature

  • Writers often use drops (like rain) metaphorically to symbolize change or emotional shifts in their characters.
  • In poetry, a 'drop' can be a powerful image, drawing attention to fragility or yearning, enhancing the emotional depth.
  • Classic literature may depict drops in various forms, embodying moments of despair or transformation in charactersโ€™ journeys.

Origin of 'drop'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'dropa,' which means a small amount of liquid.
  • In historical texts, 'drop' was often associated with the idea of a tear or a tiny amount of liquid, emphasizing its size.
  • The concept has evolved but still connects to the idea of something falling or moving away from a higher place.

The word 'drop' originated from Old English 'dropa', which is related to the Dutch 'druppel' and German 'Tropfen'. The concept of dropping has been associated with gravity and the natural tendency of objects to fall towards the center of the Earth. Over time, 'drop' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to falling, releasing, and small quantities of liquid.


See also: droplet, droplets, dropped, dropper, dropping, droppings, drops.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,067, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.