drop by
English meaning: Drop by
Definition
To visit someone for a short time, often without arranging it in advance.
Example
“Drop by my office whenever you have time.”
Another example: “Why don't you drop by the office after lunch and we'll discuss it?”
Usage — When, Where & How
A friendly, informal phrasal verb meaning to make a short, casual visit, usually unannounced ('feel free to drop by'). Common in everyday spoken English.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'drop' plus 'by', suggesting a brief, casual visit in passing.
Synonyms
- drop in
- stop by
- pop in
- call in
- come round
Related Words
Common Collocations
- drop by later
- drop by for a chat
- just drop by
- feel free to drop by
- drop by the office
Word Forms
drops by; dropped by; dropping by
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B