tumble
Meaning
to fall quickly and without control
to fall a lot in value or amount suddenly
to perform gymnastic exercises such as rolling or turning the body over
an act of tumbling; a fall
Usage
the child tripped and tumbled down the grassy hill.
stock prices tumbled after the unexpected economic report.
the acrobats tumbled across the stage with incredible agility.
Etymology
the word 'tumble' originates from middle english 'tumblen', which is frequentative in form, derived from old english 'tumbian', meaning 'to dance, leap, or tumble'. this old english term is likely of germanic origin, possibly related to middle low german 'tummelen' and old high german 'tūmilōn', both conveying a sense of turning or revolving. the core semantic thread from its proto-germanic ancestor involves a sense of unsteady, rolling motion, which evolved naturally into the modern meanings of falling headlong, rolling over, or a sudden, uncontrolled drop. its journey reflects a classic case of a native verb developing both literal and figurative applications from a basic concept of erratic movement.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a native english word of germanic origin, functioning as a whole unit.