Droped vs. Dropped: Which is the Correct Spelling?

• "Droped" is an incorrect spelling of the word "dropped."
• "Dropped" is the past tense of the verb "drop," which means to let something fall or to descend freely under the influence of gravity.

What does "dropped" mean?

Here are some major ways you can use "dropped":

1. To fall:

• This is the most basic sense, simply meaning something descended from a higher to a lower position due to gravity or lack of support. Imagine a book toppling off a shelf, or a leaf fluttering down from a tree.

2. To decrease or decline:

• "Dropped" can also signify a sudden or significant decrease in quantity, intensity, or quality. For example, "The temperature dropped after sunset," or "Her grades dropped after she stopped studying."

3. To suddenly cease or stop:

• This usage implies a brusque or unexpected halt to an activity or process. You might say, "The meeting dropped abruptly," or "The music dropped as the power went out."

4. To release or let go:

• "Dropped" can describe the act of intentionally releasing something from your grasp or control. For example, "She dropped the package on the table," or "He dropped the subject after realizing it was sensitive."

5. To send or deliver:

• In some contexts, "dropped" means to deliver or deposit something in a specific location. You might say, "I dropped the kids off at school," or "The mailman dropped off a package."

The use of "droped" and "dropped" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "droped" and "dropped" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Dropped" has seen steady use until sharply increasing in the 2000s, while its misspelling "droped" has seen nearly zero use.

How to pronounce "dropped"

In British English, "dropped" is pronounced like "dropt".

In American English, "dropped" is pronounced like "draapt".

Why would we misspell "dropped" as "droped"?

1. Phonetic Confusion: The pronunciation of "dropped" might lead someone to think that it ends with a single "p", since it sounds no different from a double "p". This phonetic confusion could contribute to the misspelling as "droped."
2. Common Spelling Patterns: People might associate "dropped" with words following common spelling patterns where a single consonant precedes a vowel, leading to the misconception of "droped" as the correct form.

Other common misspellings of "dropped"

1. Droppeed
2. Drooped
3. Droppped
4. Droped
5. Droppd

Example sentences of the misspelling of "dropped" as "droped"

1. "Droped" is not the correct way to spell the past tense of "drop"; the accurate form is "dropped."
2. Using "droped" instead of "dropped" in writing can convey a lack of attention to detail.
3. It's crucial to correct the misspelling "droped" to maintain proper grammar and spelling standards.
4. "Droped" is a common misspelling that should be avoided in formal and informal writing.
5. The teacher marked the student's paper with a red pen, highlighting the misspelling of "droped."

Example sentences of "dropped"

1. The apple dropped from the tree and landed softly on the grass.
2. She dropped her keys on the table as she entered the house.
3. The temperature dropped significantly, signaling the onset of winter.
4. In the movie, the protagonist courageously dropped into the abyss to save the day.
5. The astronaut carefully dropped the scientific equipment onto the lunar surface.
6. The rain dropped gently on the roof, creating a soothing melody.
7. He dropped the bombshell news during the meeting, leaving everyone in shock.
8. The stock market dropped sharply, causing widespread concern among investors.
9. With a heavy heart, she dropped the letter into the mailbox, sealing her decision.
10. As the sun set, the temperature dropped quickly, reminding them of the approaching night.

Synonyms for "meant"

1. Fell
2. Released
3. Descended
4. Lowered
5. Let go

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References:

Definition of DROPPED

designed to extend or begin lower than normal… See the full definition

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