Dive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dive

[daษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

underwater exploration

To plunge into water, especially headfirst. Diving is a popular recreational activity, often involving the use of scuba equipment. It requires proper training and safety precautions to prevent accidents.

Synonyms

immerse, plunge, submerge.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to dive into the crystal-clear water of the lake.
  • Many tourists come to this area to dive and explore the coral reefs.
Context #2 | Noun

sport

A controlled plunge, typically performed into a body of water, often for competitive purposes. Diving as a sport involves various acrobatic movements and is judged based on technique, execution, and degree of difficulty.

Synonyms

dip, plunge, plunge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dive

Usually used in the context of jumping headfirst into water or making a sudden, quick descent. It can also be used metaphorically for getting deeply involved in something.

  • She decided to dive into the cold pool.
  • The stock market took a dive last week.
  • He loves to dive into new projects.
plunge

Indicates a sudden or forceful immersion, usually used in a dramatic context. Can also describe a rapid or extreme decrease in something. It often carries a sense of risk or boldness.

  • He decided to plunge into the icy lake.
  • The car plunged off the cliff.
  • The value of the cryptocurrency plunged overnight.
dip

Typically suggests a brief or partial submersion in a liquid, often involving a gentle or careful action. Can also be used metaphorically to suggest a small decrease or to briefly engage in something.

  • She took a quick dip in the ocean.
  • He dipped the brush in the paint.
  • There was a dip in the companyโ€™s profit last quarter.

Examples of usage

  • She won a gold medal for her flawless dive in the diving competition.
  • The synchronized diving event at the Olympics showcases incredible teamwork and skill.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In competitive diving, athletes perform acrobatics while diving from high platforms into water.
  • Diving as a sport gained popularity in the early 20th century and has been featured in the Olympics since 1904.

Science

  • Marine biology studies many creatures that dive to find food, such as seals, which can dive over 1,000 feet deep.
  • Sonar technology helps researchers locate schools of fish or underwater features that would be challenging to see without diving.

Culture

  • Any underwater exploration for recreation is often called scuba diving, where divers use special gear to breathe underwater.
  • Dive bars often refer to casual and sometimes slightly worn-down places where friends gather for drinks and fun.

Literature

  • In many adventure novels, characters dive into perilous situations, symbolizing taking risks or facing fears head-on.
  • Famous poems often use the act of diving as a metaphor for exploring deep emotions or thoughts.

Origin of 'dive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dive' comes from the Old English word 'dive', meaning to plunge into water.
  • In the 19th century, 'dive' started to be associated with plunging deep into something, not just water.

The word 'dive' originated from the Old English dฤซfian, meaning 'to dip or submerge.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the act of plunging into water. Diving has been practiced for centuries, initially for fishing and later for exploration and recreation. The sport of diving gained popularity in the early 20th century, leading to the development of competitive diving events.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,786, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.