Dropping: meaning, definitions and examples

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dropping

 

[ ˈdrɒpɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

action

To let or make (something) fall vertically.

Synonyms

decline, descend, fall, plummet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dropping

Used when something is falling or decreasing in quantity or level. It can be more casual and general.

  • The temperature is dropping rapidly.
  • Her grades are dropping this semester.
fall

A general term that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate a drop or move to a lower level. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

  • The leaves will fall in autumn.
  • Stock prices are set to fall.
descend

Used for moving down from a higher position, often in a literal, physical sense. Can also imply going down in a more abstract sense, such as a feeling or situation.

  • The plane began to descend.
  • The situation started to descend into chaos.
plummet

Often used to describe a very rapid and dramatic fall or decrease, usually with a negative connotation.

  • The stock market plummeted after the news.
  • His popularity ratings plummeted overnight.
decline

Appropriate for formal or professional settings, referring to a gradual decrease or reduction, often in quality, value, or importance.

  • The company faced a significant decline in profits.
  • There has been a decline in public trust.

Examples of usage

  • He was dropping stones into the water.
  • The pilot was dropping bombs on the target.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

A sudden, rapid, and usually temporary decline in the value or price of a stock or a market.

Synonyms

decline, decrease, plunge, slump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dropping

Used in everyday situations to describe something falling or coming down, usually gradually. Can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts like prices or temperatures.

  • The temperature is dropping as winter approaches
  • Her grades have been dropping recently
decline

Often used in formal contexts to describe a gradual decrease, especially in numbers, quality, or strength. Can imply a deterioration.

  • There has been a steady decline in the company's profits
  • The decline in his health was noticeable
plunge

Conveys a sudden and sharp drop, often dramatic or severe. Can have a negative connotation.

  • The stock market plunged after the announcement
  • Temperatures will plunge to below freezing tonight
decrease

Used to describe a reduction in size, amount, number, or degree. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • We need to decrease the number of errors in our reports
  • The population of the city has decreased over the last decade
slump

Used to describe a significant and prolonged fall, often related to economic conditions. Usually has a negative connotation.

  • The economy has hit a slump due to the pandemic
  • There's been a slump in oil prices recently

Examples of usage

  • The dropping of the stock prices caused panic among investors.
  • The market experienced a significant dropping last week.
Context #3 | Noun

liquid

A very small quantity of liquid that falls or is produced in a more or less spherical mass.

Synonyms

bead, drip, drop, globule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dropping

Usually refers to something that falls or is released, and can also refer to animal waste.

  • The scientist observed the dropping of the ball from the height.
  • We need to clean up the bird droppings on the sidewalk.
drip

Refers to liquid falling in small drops, often in a slow, steady manner.

  • There is a constant drip from the leaky faucet.
  • The medicine is administered via an IV drip.
drop

Describes a small amount of liquid or the act of something falling from a higher place.

  • Can you put a drop of this essential oil into the diffuser?
  • I felt a drop of rain on my cheek.
bead

Typically used to describe small, round objects, often part of jewelry or something forming a small ball.

  • She wore a necklace made of colorful beads.
  • Beads of sweat formed on his forehead during the intense workout.
globule

Used to describe a very small, rounded mass of a substance, usually liquid.

  • The scientist examined a globule of mercury.
  • Tiny globules of fat float on the surface of the soup.

Examples of usage

  • There were rain droppings on the window.
  • He could hear the droppings of water from the leaky faucet.

Etymology

The word 'dropping' originated from the Middle English word 'droppen' and has evolved over time to its current form in modern English. The concept of dropping has been present in various languages and cultures throughout history, symbolizing the act of letting something fall or decline. It has become a common term used in everyday language, particularly in describing the action of falling or decreasing rapidly.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,580 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.