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Dandle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ถ
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dandle

[หˆdรฆndl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

care for

To dandle means to play or move a child or baby up and down in a playful and gentle way.

Synonyms

cradle, cuddle, rock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dandle

This word is used when talking about bouncing a baby or small child gently up and down, often on one's knee. It conveys a sense of playfulness and affection.

  • She dandled the baby on her knee, making him giggle with delight
rock

Rocking a baby refers to gently moving them back and forth or side to side, often to soothe or lull them to sleep. It can also refer to the motion of a rocking chair.

  • She rocked the baby gently, singing a lullaby until he fell asleep
cradle

Cradling typically refers to holding or rocking a baby or small child gently in your arms or in a cradle (a small bed for a baby). It emphasizes support and comfort.

  • He cradled the newborn in his arms, ensuring she felt safe and secure
cuddle

Cuddling involves holding someone close to show affection and provide comfort. It can be used for both children and adults, indicating warmth and intimacy.

  • They cuddled on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket while watching a movie

Examples of usage

  • He dandled the baby in his arms.
  • She dandled her grandchild on her knee.
  • The mother dandled her infant to soothe him to sleep.
Context #2 | Noun

British English

A small piece of cloth, usually square, used for wiping the face or hands.

Synonyms

cloth, handkerchief, tissue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dandle

Use this word when talking about gently and affectionately rocking a baby or a small child up and down in a playful manner.

  • She dandled the baby on her knee, making him giggle with delight.
  • The grandparents loved to dandle their grandchildren whenever they visited.
handkerchief

A handkerchief is a small square of cloth carried in the pocket and used for personal hygiene, such as wiping the face or blowing the nose.

  • She handed him a handkerchief to dry his tears.
  • He always keeps a clean handkerchief in his pocket.
cloth

This word is used to describe a piece of fabric, especially when referring to general use or material for making clothes, cleaning, etc.

  • He wiped the table with a damp cloth to remove the dust.
  • The dress was made of a rich, silky cloth.
tissue

This term often describes soft, disposable paper used for blowing one's nose or wiping small spills. Itโ€™s also used metaphorically to describe thin, delicate material in biology.

  • She took a tissue from the box to blow her nose.
  • The biologist studied the tissue samples under the microscope.

Examples of usage

  • She handed him a dandle to clean his face after dinner.
  • I always carry a dandle in my pocket for emergencies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the act of dandling strengthens the bond between caregiver and child, promoting a sense of security.
  • Traditional nursery rhymes often incorporate dandle-like movements to engage infants and make them laugh.

Psychology

  • Playing and physically interacting with babies helps stimulate their cognitive development and emotional connection.
  • Gentle movements can soothe babies, making them feel loved and secure, which is vital for emotional health.

Pop Culture

  • Dandling has made appearances in children's stories and movies, often depicting nurturing characters who bond with young ones.
  • The gesture is commonly seen in family films during heartwarming scenes showcasing love and affection.

Literature

  • Many poets and authors describe the joy and simplicity of dandling in their works, celebrating the joy of childhood.
  • Children's books regularly highlight playful actions like dandle to illustrate family bonds and the joy of playtime.

Origin of 'dandle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the 16th century, likely derived from the Scandinavian word 'danda', which means to move back and forth.
  • Related to the Middle English verb 'dandlen', the term has roots in childlike playfulness.

The origin of the word 'dandle' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'dandlen', which meant 'to shake, swing, or rock'. It is believed to have originated from the Dutch word 'dandelen', which has a similar meaning. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the gentle and playful act of moving a child or baby up and down. The noun form of 'dandle' as a small piece of cloth is predominantly used in British English.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,752, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.