Fell: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe cutting down trees or causing something to fall, especially in a deliberate or controlled way.

• 'The lumberjack felled the tree with a single axe stroke
• ' 'The soldiers felled their enemies with precise shots
• '

Refers to something falling due to gravity, often accidentally or unintentionally. Can also mean a decrease in quantity or intensity.

• 'She accidentally dropped her phone on the pavement
• ' 'There was a sudden drop in temperature
• '

Used to describe moving downwards, often gradually or in a more controlled manner, such as going down stairs, slopes, or levels.

• 'The hikers began to descend the mountain
• ' 'The elevator descended to the ground floor
• '

Used to describe something that has moved downward or collapsed, often suddenly and with some impact.

• The tree fell during the storm
• He fell off his bike and hurt his knee

Used in a formal context to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in quantity, quality, or importance.

• The company's profits declined over the last quarter
• The population of the town has been in decline for years

Used to describe something that becomes more severe or poor in quality, generally in a negative sense.

• If we don't act now, the situation will worsen
• His symptoms worsened after he stopped taking the medication

Used to describe something that gets worse over time, often relating to health, conditions, or quality.

• The patient's condition began to deteriorate rapidly
• The building's structure has deteriorated due to neglect

Used to describe a rapid and steep fall, typically involving numbers, prices, or values.

• The stock market values plummeted after the economic crisis
• Temperatures plummeted overnight

Primarily used to describe something or someone moving downward from a higher position, often implying a certain speed or suddenness.

• He slipped on the wet floor and fell
• The leaves fell gently from the tree

Refers to a fall that involves rolling or turning over, typically in an uncontrolled manner.

• The child tumbled down the hill but wasn't hurt
• The acrobat performed a perfect tumble

Implies a quick or sharp decrease in position, temperature, amount, etc. Also used to describe intentionally letting something fall.

• Be careful not to drop the vase
• There was a sudden drop in temperature last night

Used for a more formal or gradual downward movement, often linked to a journey or process.

• The descent down the mountain was challenging
• The plane began its descent into the city

Describes causing liquid or other substance to unintentionally flow out of its container, often creating a mess. Carries a slightly negative connotation.

• She spilled coffee all over her papers
• The oil spill caused significant environmental damage