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Dip Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dip

[dɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

swimming

A brief swim in water.

Synonyms

bathe, plunge, swim.

Examples of usage

  • Let's go for a quick dip in the pool.
  • She took a dip in the ocean to cool off.
Context #2 | Verb

food

To immerse food briefly into a liquid or sauce.

Synonyms

immerse, soak, submerge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dip

Use when you briefly put something in a liquid. It implies a quick action, often for a temporary purpose.

  • She dipped the cookie in milk.
  • He dipped his toes into the water to test its temperature.
immerse

Used when you fully place something into a liquid for a longer duration. This often implies a thorough action.

  • The scientist immersed the samples in a solution.
  • You need to immerse the fabric in dye for an hour.
submerge

Implies fully covering something with liquid, often for some function or purpose. It can sometimes carry a more technical or serious tone.

  • The submarine can submerge to a depth of 300 meters.
  • Be sure to submerge the dishes completely in the soapy water.
soak

Suggests leaving something in liquid for an extended period to absorb moisture. It often indicates complete saturation.

  • She decided to soak the beans overnight.
  • His clothes were soaked after walking in the rain.

Examples of usage

  • Dip the bread in the soup for extra flavor.
  • I like to dip my fries in ketchup.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • Dipping sauces can enhance the flavor of snacks like chips, vegetables, or pretzels.
  • Popular types of dips include guacamole, hummus, and salsa, which have diverse cultural origins.

Science

  • In physics, 'dipping' can describe the behavior of an object entering and leaving a fluid, which varies based on density.
  • Water dips (like in swimming) showcase Newton's laws of motion, demonstrating how forces act on objects in fluids.

Sports

  • In sports like basketball, a 'dunk' can be referred to as a 'dip' when the player goes up to score, although it's not the official term.
  • Dips are also a type of bodyweight exercise focused on strengthening the triceps, chest, and shoulders.

Culture

  • Dip dancing is a youth trend characterized by quick, fluid movements often used in hip-hop music.
  • Festivals often feature teams competing in 'dip' contests, where creativity and flavor are key components.

Origin of 'dip'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'dipian', which means 'to immerse'.
  • Originally, it referred to any act of putting something under the surface of a liquid.

The word 'dip' originated in the late 16th century and is believed to have come from the Middle Dutch word 'dippen', meaning to immerse briefly. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to immersing briefly in liquid or sauce, such as in swimming or food preparation.

See also: dipper, dipping.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,861 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.