A1 noun Neutral #1,937 most common

drop

/drɒp/

A small, round shape of liquid that falls from a surface. It can also mean a reduction or a fall in the amount or level of something.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I felt a single drop of rain on my arm.

I felt a single small amount of rain on my arm.

2

The report indicates a significant drop in temperature during the night.

The report shows a large decrease in temperature during the night.

3

Could I have just a drop more juice, please?

Could I have a very small amount more juice, please?

Word Family

Noun
drop
Verb
drop
Adjective
dropped
Related
droplet
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Drip' making a 'Drop'—the 'D' shape looks like a falling bead of water.

Quick Quiz

The doctor put a ___ of medicine in the patient's eye.

Correct!

The correct answer is: drop

Examples

1

I felt a single drop of rain on my arm.

everyday

I felt a single small amount of rain on my arm.

2

The report indicates a significant drop in temperature during the night.

formal

The report shows a large decrease in temperature during the night.

3

Could I have just a drop more juice, please?

informal

Could I have a very small amount more juice, please?

4

Researchers observed the movement of each drop through the filter.

academic

Scientists watched how each liquid unit moved through the filter.

5

Our department noticed a drop in customer complaints this month.

business

Our office saw a decrease in customer complaints this month.

Word Family

Noun
drop
Verb
drop
Adjective
dropped
Related
droplet

Common Collocations

rain drop a single unit of rain
drop in prices a reduction in how much things cost
last drop the final small amount of liquid
sudden drop a very fast decrease
drop of water a small round amount of water

Common Phrases

a drop in the ocean

a very small amount that does not change a big situation

at the drop of a hat

doing something immediately without planning

to the last drop

until everything is completely finished

Often Confused With

drop vs drip

A drip is a continuous sequence of falling drops, while a drop is one single unit.

drop vs fall

Fall is the general action of going down; drop is the specific small amount of liquid or a specific measured decrease.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'drop' when talking about a specific small amount of liquid or when describing a statistical decrease in numbers or prices.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'drop' to mean any small thing, but it is specifically for liquids or measurements going down.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Drip' making a 'Drop'—the 'D' shape looks like a falling bead of water.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'dropa', which describes a small globule of liquid.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one drop, two drops Often used with the preposition 'in' (a drop in prices) Commonly followed by 'of' (a drop of oil)
🌍

Cultural Context

In some English-speaking cultures, asking for 'a drop of tea' is a common, polite way to ask for a very small serving.

Quick Quiz

The doctor put a ___ of medicine in the patient's eye.

Correct!

The correct answer is: drop

More Actions words

climb

A1

To move upward toward the top of something, often by using your hands and feet. It can also describe a path going up or a value increasing in number.

exit

A1

An exit is a door or passage used to leave a building, vehicle, or area. It can also refer to the act of going out or departing from a place.

lift

A1

To move something or someone from a lower position to a higher one. It often requires physical effort or the use of a machine to pick an object up.

push

A1

To use your hands or body to move something away from you by applying force. It can also describe the act of encouraging someone to work harder or achieve a goal.

touch

A1

To put your hand or another part of your body on something or someone. It is the act of making physical contact with an object to feel its texture or presence.

grab

A1

To take hold of something or someone suddenly, quickly, or roughly with your hand. It is often used when you are in a hurry or need to catch something before it falls.

pick up

A1

A pick up is the act of collecting someone or something from a specific place. It can also refer to a small truck with an open back for carrying goods or a sudden improvement in a situation.

describe

A1

To say or write what someone or something is like. It is used to give details about how things look, feel, sound, or happen so that others can imagine them.

shout

A1

A loud cry or call made by a person using their voice. It is often used to express a strong emotion or to get the attention of someone who is far away.

whisper

A1

A whisper is a very quiet way of speaking that uses breath instead of the vocal cords. It is used when someone wants to share a secret or avoid being heard by others in a room.

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