dropped
UK[drɒpt]US[drɑːpt]
v
to let something fall from your hand or from a container
v
to fall or allow yourself to fall to a lower position
v
to become lower in level, amount, or value
Etymology
the verb 'drop' originates from old english 'droppian', meaning "to fall in drops." this is likely of imitative origin, echoing the sound of liquid falling. it is related to old norse 'drepa', meaning "to strike," but the core english sense developed from the concept of liquid falling in small, spherical masses. over time, the meaning broadened from the specific action of liquid dripping to encompass any small, sudden fall or decrease, leading to its wide range of modern applications from physical descent to reductions in quantity or intensity.
Analysis
the word 'dropped' is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'drop'. it is not productively segmented into smaller meaningful units in modern english. the base 'drop' is a simplex word.
Examples
she dropped her keys on the way to the car.
the temperature dropped sharply overnight.
he dropped out of college to start his own business.