Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Falling or descending freely under the influence of gravity: Describes something that is in the process of moving downwards, typically in a straight line, due to gravity.
   • Decreasing or declining: Describes something that is becoming less in amount, level, or intensity.

Usage

• The primary use of "dropping" as an adjective is to describe something that is in the act of falling or decreasing. It is often used before a noun.
• Example: "We took shelter from the dropping temperature." (Here, "dropping" describes the temperature that is decreasing.)
• Example: "The dropping leaves signaled the arrival of autumn." (Here, "dropping" describes the leaves that are falling.)

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The pilot avoided the dropping flares. (The flares that were falling from the sky.)
  • Investors are concerned about the dropping stock prices. (The stock prices that are declining.)
  • The dropping water level in the reservoir is alarming. (The water level that is decreasing.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dropping" as a present participle/gerund: While the request is for the adjective, it is important to note that "dropping" is also the present participle of the verb "to drop." In this form, it can be part of continuous tenses or function as a gerund (a verbal noun).
  • She is dropping the vase. (Present continuous tense of the verb 'drop'.)
  • Dropping the glass was an accident. (Gerund, functioning as the subject of the sentence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drop (verb): To fall or let something fall.
• Drop (noun): A small amount of liquid, or the act of falling.
• Dropper (noun): A device for dispensing liquid in drops.
• Droplet (noun): A very small drop of liquid.

Synonyms

• Falling: Moving downward under gravity.
• Descending: Moving or sloping downward.
• Declining: Becoming smaller, fewer, or less; decreasing.
• Plummeting: Falling or dropping straight down at high speed.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the verb 'drop')

• Drop in: To visit someone informally.
  • Feel free to drop in for a chat anytime.
• Drop off: To deliver someone or something; to decrease.
  • Can you drop me off at the station? Attendance has started to drop off.
• Drop out: To leave a school or course before finishing; to withdraw from participation.
  • He decided to drop out of college to start his own business.

Related Idioms

• A drop in the ocean/bucket: A very small amount compared to what is needed.
  • Our donation was just a drop in the ocean compared to the total funds required.
• At the drop of a hat: Immediately, without any hesitation.
  • She's always ready to help at the drop of a hat.

Adjective

1. coming down freely under the influence of gravity
   • the eerie whistle of dropping bombs
   • falling rain