fall - Definition & Meaning | WordLens Dictionary

fall

verb

Third Person

falls

Present Participle

falling

Past Tense

fell

Past Participle

fallen

to quickly move from a higher place toward the ground

Be careful not to slip and fall on the wet floor.
I accidentally dropped my phone, and it fell to the ground.
She loses her balance and falls backwards.
The bird flew too close to the window and fell to the ground.
The leaves fall from the trees in autumn.

to decrease in quantity, quality, or extent

After the harvest season, the supply of fresh vegetables at the market began to fall.
With the economic downturn, consumer spending on luxury items started to fall.
The temperature is expected to fall significantly as we move into the winter months.
With changes in consumer preferences, demand for traditional printed newspapers has fallen in recent years.
The price of oil has fallen significantly in the past few months.

Synonyms:

diminish lessen decrease

Antonyms:

increase

to physically move in a downward direction without necessarily reaching the lowest point

During the acrobatic routine, the performer gracefully fell from the aerial silk, captivating the audience.
As the tide receded, the water level fell, revealing a stretch of sandy beach.
During the performance, the curtain gradually fell, signaling the end of the play.
As the airplane descended for landing, the passengers felt a slight pressure change as they began to fall toward the runway.

Synonyms:

go down descend come down

Antonyms:

rise

to lose a position of power, authority, or influence, often as a result of a negative event or circumstance

After the scandal, the once-respected politician saw his reputation fall dramatically.
Following the economic downturn, several prominent business figures saw their empires fall.
The dictator's oppressive regime fell when widespread protests and international pressure mounted against him.
The team's coach saw his career fall after a series of losses and controversies.
The monarch's reign fell abruptly when a rebellion emerged.

to transition passively into a specific state or condition

After reading for a while, I fell asleep on the cozy chair.
They were hoping to start a family and were delighted when they fell pregnant.
The room fell silent as the professor entered, capturing everyone's attention.
She had been feeling weak for days before she finally fell ill.
As the soothing music played, the baby fell asleep peacefully in the crib.

to come under, be classified, or included in a specific category, group, or set of criteria

Her project fell under the category of environmental sustainability
The new policy changes will make these expenses fall under the company's operational budget.
These products fall under the umbrella of organic food.
The unique architectural style of the building allows it to fall under the classification of modernist design.
With its fusion of various musical genres, the band's music doesn't neatly fall under any one specific category.

Synonyms:

come

to undergo a situation of defeat, failure, or significant decline

The ambitious business venture fell when the market conditions changed unexpectedly.
The once-prosperous empire fell after a series of economic crises.
Their dreams of success fell when the startup encountered insurmountable obstacles.
The athlete's career fell when a serious injury prevented them from competing at the highest level.
The company's reputation fell when it was revealed they had engaged in unethical practices.

to happen or take place at a specific time

The annual festival is set to fall on the third weekend of September this year.
The meeting is scheduled to fall tomorrow at noon.
The exam will fall on Monday, and students are advised to review their materials over the weekend.
The eclipse is predicted to fall later this month.
The product launch is expected to fall next month, generating excitement among consumers.

to be defeated in battle or conflict, leading to the capture of a military force

The fortress finally fell after a prolonged siege.
The city resisted for months, but it ultimately fell, leading to the capture of its defenders.
The strategic position fell to the enemy, and the commanding officer ordered a surrender.
Despite their efforts to hold the line, the troops fell one by one.

to die, especially in the context of warfare, conflict, or a hunt

In the epic battle, many brave soldiers fell, sacrificing their lives for the cause.
The hero of the story fell while defending the kingdom from the invading forces.
During the hunt, the skilled archer aimed true, and the deer fell swiftly.
In the ancient tales, warriors were honored for their courage when they fell in battle.
The general led from the front, inspiring his troops even as some of them fell in the line of duty.

to descend, touch, or be placed on a surface, often in a gradual or gentle manner

The sunlight began to fall on the meadow, casting a warm and golden glow over the grass.
The painter allowed the brushstroke to fall delicately onto the canvas.
The light rain fell on the window, creating a calming sound.
The moonlight fell through the window, casting a soft glow on the bedroom floor.
The spotlight on the stage was adjusted to fall precisely on the lead performer.

Synonyms:

strike shine

to be assigned, typically referring to responsibilities or tasks

As the team leader, the responsibility for coordinating the project fell to Sarah.
The role of managing the budget fell to the financial department.
In times of crisis, the responsibility for decision-making often falls to the head of the organization.
The challenging assignment of leading the research team fell to the seasoned scientist.
As the eldest sibling, the duty of looking after the younger ones often falls naturally to her.

to give in to temptation, or to commit a sinful act

Despite her best intentions, she fell into the trap of dishonesty to cover up her mistake.
In a moment of weakness, he fell into the allure of gambling.
Despite knowing the consequences, he fell into the habit of lying to avoid facing the truth.
The once-devoted employee fell into unethical practices to secure a promotion.
In times of desperation, people may fall into the sin of stealing to meet their basic needs.

(of lambs) to be born

As spring arrived, many lambs fell in the pastures.
In the morning, the first lamb fell, signaling the beginning of the lambing season.
In the serene meadows, the shepherd witnesses the beauty of nature as lambs fall.
In the early spring, the fields come alive as lambs fall, bringing new energy to the farm.

to let one's facial expression convey a sense of disappointment, sadness, or dejection

Upon hearing the news, her face fell, revealing her disappointment.
As the teacher announced the postponement of the long-awaited field trip, the children's faces fell.
The athlete's face fell as he crossed the finish line, realizing he had narrowly missed breaking the record.
The employee's face fell when she received negative feedback on the project she had worked tirelessly on.
Her face fell when she discovered the cherished heirloom had been damaged in the move.

to embark on or undertake a task or activity with enthusiasm or commitment

transitive

Eager to redecorate, she fell to the project with enthusiasm.
As the gardening season arrived, the family fell to planting.
Inspired by the challenge, the students fell to the research assignment.
Determined to lead a healthier lifestyle, he fell to a new exercise routine and dietary plan
Recognizing the need for improvement, the organization fell to a series of training sessions.

to come or descend in a manner suggesting a drop

transitive

The announcement of the surprise guest made excitement fall over the audience like confetti.
The unexpected revelation caused a hush to fall over the room.
As the curtain rose, a collective gasp fell upon the audience as they witnessed the elaborate stage design.
Upon hearing the news, a sense of disappointment fell over the team who had worked hard for the victory.
As the clock struck midnight, a sense of tranquility fell over the city.

Synonyms:

settle descend

to gradually diminish, settle, or decrease in intensity

After the storm passed, the wind and rain began to fall, leaving behind a calm atmosphere.
The audience's laughter gradually fell as the comedian wrapped up the final joke of the night.
The heated argument eventually caused tempers to fall, leading to a more rational and calm discussion.
The applause for the performance echoed through the auditorium and eventually began to fall.
The tension in the room started to fall after the mediator successfully facilitated a resolution.

to slope downward or decline gradually

The hiking trail started to fall gently as it led down into the valley.
The driveway had a steep incline that fell sharply towards the street.
As the river flowed, the terrain caused it to fall steadily, creating small waterfalls.
The ski slope began to fall, providing an exhilarating descent for the skiers.
The road seemed to fall as it wound down the mountain, offering breathtaking views.

to intentionally and forcefully descend to a lower position, often by bending at the waist or knees

In the action movie, the hero had to fall from a great height and land safely as part of a daring stunt.
During the dance performance, the choreography required the dancers to fall in synchronization
As part of the protest, the activists decided to peacefully fall to the ground in a symbolic act.
Frustrated with the outcome, he fell dramatically to the ground.

to be inherited or acquired by legal or customary right

transitive

Upon the death of the patriarch, the family estate will fall to the eldest son as per the inheritance laws.
The title of the monarch will fall to the next in line, ensuring the continuity of the royal lineage.
According to the will, the valuable antique collection will fall to the grandchildren upon the passing of the owner.
In the absence of a designated heir, the property will fall to the closest living relative.
The hereditary title and responsibilities will fall to the eldest daughter.