drop
/drɒp/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To let something fall, or to fall by accident from your hand or another place. It can also mean to make something go down.
- She dropped her keys on the floor.
- Please don't drop the glass.
- Prices dropped after the holiday.
noun
A very small amount of liquid, or a small round shape like liquid. It can also mean a sudden fall or decrease.
- Add a drop of oil.
- I felt a drop of rain.
- There was a sharp drop in sales.
Adinary Nuance
Drop is more direct and everyday than fall. Use drop when something goes down quickly, or when you let it go from your hand. For a larger or more natural movement downward, fall is often better.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- rơi
- Spanish
- caer
- Chinese
- 掉落
- Japanese
- 落とす
- Korean
- 떨어뜨리다
Etymology
From Old English dropa, meaning a small fall of liquid or a falling piece. It has been used in English since early medieval times.
Common phrases
drop offdrop outdrop bya drop in the ocean
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'drop' formal or informal?
- It is common in both speech and writing. It feels neutral, not formal.
- What's the difference between 'drop' and 'fall'?
- 'Drop' often means a quick or controlled movement down. 'Fall' is broader and can sound more natural for people or things moving downward.
- Can I say 'drop by' in business English?
- Yes, but it is more casual. It means to visit for a short time.
- What does 'a drop in the ocean' mean?
- It means a very small amount compared with what is needed.