plummet
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈplʌmɪt/
KK: /ˈplʌmɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To fall or drop suddenly and quickly, often from a high position.
Example
The temperature is expected to plummet overnight.
Tense Forms
Past: plummeted
Past Participle: plummeted
Conversation
Did you see how the stock prices plummet after the news today?
Yeah, it was shocking! I didn't expect such a steep decline.
I know, right? It's crazy how quickly they can plummet like that.
I hope it doesn't affect our investments too much.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
drop
fall
descend
Antonyms
rise
ascend
soar
noun
Definition
A heavy object that is used to measure depth or to keep something straight, often used in construction or fishing.
Example
The carpenter used a plummet to ensure the wall was perfectly vertical.
Conversation
Sometimes I feel like life can be such a plummet of stress, don't you?
Absolutely, it's like we're carrying all these burdens every day.
Yeah, I just wish we could find a way to lighten that plummet sometimes.
Root Explanation
Plummet originates from the Old French word 'plommet', meaning a lead weight or plumb line, which in turn comes from the Latin 'plumbum', meaning lead. The word describes the action of falling or dropping down quickly, akin to how a lead weight would drop straight down.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heavy lead weight ('plumbum') dropping straight down — that's how you can remember that 'plummet' means to fall quickly.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.