Falling: meaning, definitions and examples

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falling

[ˈfɔːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

Moving downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level.

Synonyms

descending, dropping, plummeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
falling	This word is used in general contexts to describe something that is going downwards due to gravity without implying a specific speed or manner. The leaves are falling from the trees Rain was falling heavily all night
descending	Used to describe a controlled movement downwards, often with deliberate action or a planned route, such as stairs or a mountain. She is carefully descending the stairs The airplane is descending towards the runway
dropping	Implies something being let go and falling from a higher position. It can also be used to describe a decline in status or level. He is dropping the ball The temperature is dropping quickly
plummeting	Describes a rapid and often sudden fall, usually with an implication of a dramatic or alarming drop. Often used with negative connotations. The stock prices are plummeting The car plummeted down the cliff

Examples of usage

The falling leaves signaled the arrival of autumn.
The falling snow covered the ground in a blanket of white.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

accident

An act of accidentally losing one's balance and collapsing.

Synonyms

slip, spill, tumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
falling	This is a general term used to describe when something or someone moves downward due to gravity. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Leaves are falling from the trees She is falling in love
tumble	This word is used to describe a more chaotic or uncontrolled fall, often involving rolling or flipping. It can also be used metaphorically. The rocks tumbled down the hill She took a tumble during the hike
spill	Typically used when a liquid is accidentally poured or moves out of its container. It implies lack of control over the liquid. I spilled coffee on my shirt The milk spilled all over the counter
slip	This is often used when someone loses their balance, particularly on a smooth or wet surface. It suggests a quick, accidental movement. He slipped on the icy sidewalk Be careful not to slip on the spilled water

Examples of usage

She tripped on the stairs and had a nasty falling.
He slipped on the wet floor and had a bad falling.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

decrease

A decrease in amount, size, or value.

Synonyms

decline, drop, reduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
falling	Used to describe something that is going downward or decreasing over time, often related to physical objects, but can also refer to abstract concepts like temperature or stock prices. The leaves are falling from the trees. The falling temperature signifies the approach of winter.
decline	Often describes a gradual decrease or reduction in quantity, quality, or importance. Commonly used in economic, social, and health contexts. There has been a decline in the company's profits this quarter. His health began to decline after the surgery.
drop	Refers to a sudden and often noticeable decrease or fall. This can apply to physical objects, statistics, or levels of something. The company's shares experienced a significant drop in value. There was a sudden drop in temperature last night.
reduction	Used when something is made smaller in size, amount, or number. Often used in formal or technical contexts such as business, manufacturing, and science. The factory aims for a reduction in waste by implementing new recycling methods. There was a reduction in the number of employees due to budget cuts.

Examples of usage

The falling prices of oil affected the global economy.
The falling attendance at the event was a cause for concern.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'feallan', which means 'to fall or to perish'.
Its roots are interconnected with Germanic languages, where similar words convey the idea of dropping or moving downward.

Physics

Falling is influenced by gravity, which pulls objects towards the earth's center.
The speed of falling depends on height and air resistance, exemplified by Galileo's famous experiments using balls of different weights.

Cultural References

In literature and music, 'falling' often symbolizes loss, freedom, or change, capturing deep emotional experiences.
The phrase 'falling in love' illustrates how emotions can overwhelm you, similar to the sensation of losing balance.

Psychology

The fear of falling is a common anxiety that affects many people, often linked to control and vulnerability.
Children learning to walk experience a natural process of falling, which is crucial for developing balance and coordination.

Nature

In autumn, leaves falling from trees create stunning landscapes and symbolize the changing seasons.
Animals often adapt to the fall of leaves by preparing for winter, collecting food before snowfall.

Translations

Translations of the word "falling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caindo

🇮🇳 गिरना

🇩🇪 fallend

🇮🇩 jatuh

🇺🇦 падіння

🇵🇱 spadający

🇯🇵 落下

🇫🇷 chute

🇪🇸 cayendo

🇹🇷 düşen

🇰🇷 떨어지는

🇸🇦 سقوط

🇨🇿 padající

🇸🇰 padajúci

🇨🇳 下落

🇸🇮 padajoč

🇮🇸 fallandi

🇰🇿 құлау

🇬🇪 ვარდნა

🇦🇿 düşmə

🇲🇽 cayendo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,538, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2535 assistant
2536 preliminary
2537 collective
2538 falling
2539 pro
2540 witnesses
2541 variations
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