ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dropped

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈdɹɑpt// UK //dɹˈɒpt// dropped

v. to let something fall by accident or to put something down on purpose. It can also mean to stop doing something or to lower a price.

v. to let fall vertically; to descend or cause to descend to a lower level. Transitive in most senses, though it can function intransitively when describing a sudden fall in value or temperature.


SIMPLE

She dropped her keys on the floor by mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

The temperature dropped significantly overnight, leaving a thin layer of frost on the windows.

COMPLEX

After the initial investigation failed to produce any credible leads, the police eventually dropped the charges due to a lack of evidence.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when an object is moved, but intransitive when describing a change in state like weather or prices.

Pitfall

The price was dropped downThe price droppedWhen describing a decrease in value, 'dropped' is sufficient; adding 'down' is redundant.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference