Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Extremely, stunningly: Used as an intensifier to emphasize an extreme, often visually striking, quality, typically related to attractiveness or impressiveness.

Usage

• The adverb drop-dead is used informally, often in hyperbolic or emphatic speech and writing. It almost always modifies an adjective (e.g., gorgeous, handsome, beautiful, stunning, fabulous) to indicate an exceptionally high degree of that quality. It suggests something so impressive it is metaphorically shocking.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The new sports car was drop-dead cool.
  • He walked in wearing a drop-dead elegant suit.
  • The view from the mountaintop was drop-dead spectacular.

Advanced Usage

• "drop-dead" as an adverbial intensifier: While its core use is with adjectives describing appearance or style, it can be extended to other impressive qualities.
  • She gave a drop-dead brilliant presentation that won over the entire board.

Variants and Related Words

• Drop-dead gorgeous (common collocation): An extremely common fixed phrase meaning extraordinarily attractive.
  • The actor is known for being drop-dead gorgeous.

Synonyms

• Extremely: To a very high degree.
• Incredibly: To a great degree; amazingly.
• Stunningly: In an impressively striking manner.
• Breathtakingly: In a way that causes awe or excitement.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term originates from the hyperbolic idea that something is so astonishing it could figuratively cause one to "drop dead." It is exclusively used as an intensifying adverb in modern informal English and should not be confused with the verb phrase "to drop dead."

Adverb

1. extremely
   • she was drop-dead gorgeous