The spelling of the word "drop out" uses two distinct sounds, represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /drɒp/ and /aʊt/. The first sound, /drɒp/, is made up of the 'dr' consonant cluster which produces a voiced alveolar stop and an alveolar flap, followed by the vowel sound /ɒ/ as in 'lot'. The second sound, /aʊt/, is a diphthong comprising the vowel sounds /a/ as in 'cat' and /ʊ/ as in 'put'. Together, these sounds create the word we know as "drop out".
"Drop out" is a verb phrase commonly used in English that refers to the act of discontinuing or leaving a specific activity, program, or group voluntarily. It often describes the action of withdrawing oneself from an educational institution, course, or academic program before completion. The term can be applied to students who decide to terminate their studies prematurely, leading to their departure from school without receiving a diploma or degree.
However, "drop out" is not limited to academic contexts only. It can also be used to depict the act of resigning or quitting a job, position, or organization before fulfilling the intended commitment or timeframe. In this sense, an individual who chooses to "drop out" of a job ceases to work for that employer or ends their employment contract before the agreed-upon period.
Additionally, "drop out" can be employed more generally to describe the act of leaving or abandoning a particular activity, event, or social group without completing or participating fully. It implies a conscious decision to discontinue involvement, often due to disinterest, dissatisfaction, incompatibility, or lack of motivation.
In summary, "drop out" commonly refers to the voluntary act of ceasing participation or terminating involvement in a specific undertaking, primarily focusing on leaving an educational institution prematurely, quitting a job, or departing from an activity before completion or fulfillment.
The term "drop out" originated in the mid-19th century and has its roots in the phrasal verb "drop out". However, its modern usage emerged in the 20th century.
The word "drop" comes from the Old English word "dropian", meaning "to fall in drops or let fall". Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to falling or letting something fall, both literally and metaphorically.
The word "out" is derived from the Old English word "ūt", which means "outside" or "away from the inside".
When combined, "drop out" refers to the act of leaving or falling away from something, particularly an organization, group, or system. In the educational context, it specifically denotes a person who leaves school or college before completing their studies.