English Reference
verb · adjective

drowned

v. · adj.
US /ˈdɹaʊnd/ UK /dɹˈaʊnd/ drowned

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.died because of being underwater and unable to breathe.

    v.the past tense of 'drown', indicating death resulting from the inhalation of water or other liquid.

    Simple

    The poor sailor drowned when his ship hit a rock during the storm.

    In context

    Tragically, several livestock drowned when the river burst its banks and flooded the valley floor before the farmers could move them to higher ground.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice with 'was' or 'were'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.covered something completely with a liquid or a loud sound.

    v.metaphorically overwhelmed or submerged by a liquid, or rendered inaudible by a louder sound.

    Simple

    The sound of the television was drowned out by the loud thunder.

    In context

    The chef served the dessert drowned in a rich chocolate sauce, which many critics felt masked the delicate flavour of the fruit.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the particle 'out' when referring to sound.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a person or animal that has died from being underwater.

    adj.denoting a person or organism that has perished through the inhalation of liquid.

    Simple

    The rescue team finally recovered the drowned body from the lake.

    In context

    The local authorities issued a warning after the drowned remains of several deer were discovered near the frozen reservoir.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated