The phrase "dropped away" is spelled phonetically as /drɒpt əˈweɪ/. The first sound, /dr/, is a combination of a voiced alveolar stop and a voiced alveolar approximant. The vowel sound is represented by /ɒ/, which is a back vowel that is pronounced with the tongue in a low, central position. The final two sounds, /pt/ and /weɪ/, represent a voiceless bilabial stop, a voiceless alveolar fricative, and a diphthong, respectively. Together, they create the pronunciation of the term "dropped away."
Dropped away is a phrasal verb used to describe a swift or sudden decline or decrease in something's quantity, quality, or importance. It can also refer to a situation where someone or something gradually fades away or becomes less relevant over time. The term is often employed to describe a significant drop or decrease in a particular aspect or characteristic of a person, object, or situation.
In a physical sense, dropped away can denote a sharp decrease in height or elevation, usually in a vertical manner. For instance, if one stands at the edge of a cliff and looks down, they might feel a sense of unease as they observe the land dropping away beneath them.
Figuratively, dropped away can describe a situation where something that was once prominent, influential, or well-regarded loses its significance or popularity over time. This could apply to a declining trend in sales, a decreasing level of interest in a particular subject or topic, or the diminishing impact of a public figure or politician. In these cases, dropped away signifies a gradual loss of importance or relevance.
Overall, dropped away encapsulates the concept of a swift or gradual decline or decrease in various aspects of life, whether it pertains to physical attributes or abstract qualities.
The phrase "dropped away" is not a commonly used term in English and does not have a commonly attested etymology. It appears to be a combination of the verb "drop" and the adverb "away".
The word "drop" originated from Middle English "droppen" and Old English "droppian", which both meant "to fall in drops". Its early roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "druppōną". Over time, "drop" has developed various meanings, including "to let fall" or "to descend" among others.
The adverb "away" comes from Middle English "awey" and Old English "āweg", which translates to "onward" or "from this place". It can also suggest the notions of movement, departure, or removal.