drop
verb (transitive)
UK/drɒp/US/drɑːp/
To stop doing something or to end an activity.
Example Sentences
She decided to drop her studies to pursue a career in music.
They dropped the project after realizing it was not feasible.
He dropped smoking to improve his health.
The company decided to drop the outdated product line.
She dropped ballet after injuring her ankle.
They dropped their plans for the trip due to the bad weather forecast.
He dropped the hobby to focus more on his work.
The team dropped the practice sessions to prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun (countable)
UK/drɒp/US/drɑːp/
A mechanical device for operating a machine or mechanism, typically by means of a lever or handle.
Example Sentences
He pulled the drop to open the gate.
The machine's drop controls the speed of the conveyor belt.
She adjusted the drop on the machine to ensure it operated smoothly.
The drop on the old washing machine was broken and needed repair.
They installed a new drop mechanism in the door to improve its functionality.
The drop lever is used to start the engine.
Maintenance of the drop components is essential for the proper functioning of the machinery.
He learned how to operate the drop system during his training.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A quick fall or release, physically or metaphorically.“Drop” is a versatile verb describing the act of letting something fall or reducing a value, as well as a noun referring to small amounts of liquid (like a drop of water). You can “drop” objects deliberately (“Please drop the letter in the mailbox”) or indicate a decrease in quantity (“Temperatures will drop overnight”). It’s also common in technology and social contexts: you might “drop a file” into a folder by dragging an icon, or “drop a hint” when subtly suggesting something. In informal conversation, “drop by” means to visit briefly, while “drop out” can denote leaving school or a group. Whether you’re writing instructions (“Drop the dough onto the baking sheet”) or discussing market shifts (“Sales dropped significantly this quarter”), this word easily adapts to contexts involving motion, change, or small quantities. Remember that “drop” can be literal—something physically falling—or figurative, like a sudden dip in morale or numbers. By pairing it with clear descriptions (e.g., “drop the volume,” “drop your voice,” “drop the charges”), you ensure the listener or reader understands precisely which type of “drop” you intend.
Alternatives
If you’d like alternatives to “drop,” consider words like “lower,” “decrease,” “release,” or “fall.” “Lower” emphasizes a deliberate action of moving something downward—like lowering a price or an object. “Decrease” indicates a reduction in numbers or levels, making it a great choice in business, scientific, or technical contexts. “Release” shifts attention to the act of letting go, commonly used when freeing someone or something. Meanwhile, “fall” can highlight a more natural, less controlled motion—like when leaves fall in autumn or when your phone slips out of your hand. Each option maintains the core sense of moving downward or lessening in some form, yet the emphasis varies. For instance, “decrease” might feel more formal than “drop,” whereas “release” can convey intention or relief. By choosing the right synonym, you convey nuance about whether something is being set free, intentionally brought down, or simply undergoing a natural decline. It’s all about context—whether you’re describing a casual slip, a strategic reduction, or a purposeful act of letting something go.
Writing
When writing with “drop,” start by clarifying whether you mean a physical or figurative usage. A sentence like “He watched the glass drop to the floor” highlights a tangible event, whereas “Profits dropped after the merger” indicates a shift in data or performance. To add depth, offer a brief cause or effect: “He felt his heart drop when he realized the deadline had passed.” Varying sentence structures can maintain reader interest: “She dropped the mic, signaling her final word,” or “A single drop of rain splashed onto the page.” In more formal writing, you might consider substituting “decrease” or “lower” to avoid repetition or to adopt a more measured tone. That said, “drop” can be powerfully direct when describing sudden changes, dramatic twists, or pivotal moments. Whether you’re crafting a business report, a piece of fiction, or a personal reflection, harness the clarity and simplicity of “drop” by integrating context and consequence—establishing both what fell and why it matters. Such details give your writing purpose, ensuring the reader understands precisely what has taken place and feels its impact on the narrative or argument at hand.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “drop” is a go-to term for talking about things falling, descending, or briefly stopping by. You might say, “I’ll drop by your house later,” to signal a short visit, or “My phone battery dropped to 10%,” showing a sudden decrease in power. When you add an emotional twist, you might tell a friend, “My heart just dropped when I heard the bad news,” capturing the shock or sadness of the moment. On social media, “drop your thoughts in the comments” invites followers to share opinions. If you like to keep your language playful, you might say, “It’s time to drop that drama,” implying you want to let go of unnecessary stress. People often use “drop” metaphorically (“The temperature’s going to drop tonight,” “The new album will drop next week,” “He dropped the ball”), so you can blend it into lighthearted small talk or more significant topics. This flexibility makes “drop” a quick, casual way to describe or emphasize change—be it physical, emotional, or social—in any friendly exchange. The next time you chat with friends or family, sprinkle in a well-placed “drop” to convey immediacy, action, or just a bit of fun. After all, everyone relates to the idea of something swiftly moving downward or stepping away from the ordinary with an abrupt twist.
Etymology
The word “drop” comes from Old English “dropp,” meaning a small bead of liquid, which itself traces back to Proto-Germanic forms suggesting droplets or drips. Initially, “drop” primarily referred to tiny amounts of fluid—think of tears, rain, or dew. As centuries passed, the term expanded to encompass the action of something falling from a higher to a lower place, whether it was a drop of water trickling down a leaf or an item slipping from someone’s grasp. In time, metaphorical usages emerged, capturing the notion of decline or reduction—such as dropping prices or dropping hints. Beyond the physical sense, the term developed cultural resonance, seen in phrases like “drop a name” or “drop the mic,” each adding its own spin on letting go or making a statement. This evolution highlights English’s adaptability—rooted in simple images of small falling droplets, “drop” grew into a multi-purpose word bridging everyday speech, artistic expression, and figurative language. Today, “drop” remains equally relevant across formal writing, casual conversation, and pop culture references, underscoring its timeless utility for describing the nuances of motion, change, and sudden shifts.