Splash: meaning, definitions and examples

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splash

[splæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

water

A small quantity of liquid that falls or is thrown down onto a surface.

Synonyms

droplet, spatter, splatter, spray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splash	This word is most appropriate when referring to a large amount of liquid hitting a surface, creating a noticeable burst of liquid. He jumped into the pool with a big splash. The car drove through the puddle, causing a splash of mud.
spray	This word is appropriate for describing liquid distributed in small droplets over a large area, often from a nozzle or pressure. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. She used a bottle to spray water on the plants. There was a spray of ocean water as the boat moved.
spatter	Use this word when describing scattered drops of liquid, often haphazardly. It can have a slight negative connotation, especially when it involves mess or dirt. Paint spattered all over the floor during the renovation. There was a spatter of blood on the wall.
splatter	This term is apt for describing a situation where liquid is forcibly scattered in many directions, often resulting in a mess. It's slightly more intense than 'spatter' and can also carry a negative connotation. The tomato sauce splattered onto the kitchen walls. He slipped and the muddy water splattered everywhere.
droplet	This word is used for very small quantities of liquid, often seen as individual drops. It's commonly used in scientific or medical contexts. There was a tiny droplet of sweat on his forehead. Microscopic droplets can transmit viruses.

Examples of usage

The boat made a big splash as it hit the water.
I felt a splash of rain on my face.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

water

Cause (liquid) to strike or fall on something in irregular drops.

Synonyms

douse, spatter, sprinkle, spritz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splash	Used when a large amount of liquid hits or covers something, often making a loud noise. Can be used both literally and figuratively. He splashed water on his face to wake up. The kids love to splash in the pool.
sprinkle	Refers to scattering small amounts of a substance, often gently. Typically used in cooking, gardening, or light rain. She sprinkled sugar over the cake. He sprinkled water on the plants.
spatter	Used when small drops of liquid hit a surface, often randomly and with some force. Can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation. The paint spattered across the canvas. The car sped past, spattering the pedestrians with mud.
spritz	Used to mean spraying a small amount of liquid in quick bursts, often for cleaning, gardening, or refreshing. She spritzed some perfume on her wrists. He spritzed water onto the plants to keep them hydrated.
douse	This implies thorough soaking or putting out a fire. Often used in more serious contexts, sometimes with an emergency connotation. They doused the campfire before going to bed. She doused the flames with a bucket of water.

Examples of usage

The kids love to splash in the puddles after the rain.
She splashed water on her face to cool down.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'splash' originated in the mid-19th century, probably mimicking the sound it describes.
Its root can be linked to the word 'plash', which means to splash or to dash with liquid.
Historically, it referred to striking a body of water to create a disturbance and has evolved to encompass various uses.

Science

When an object hits the surface of the water, it creates waves that radiate from the point of impact; this phenomenon is called 'splash dynamics.'
Different shapes and sizes of objects create different splash patterns and sounds, influencing water displacement.
The study of splashes is relevant in fields like fluid dynamics and aerospace engineering, helping design efficient watercraft.

Art

In art, 'splash' is often associated with Jackson Pollock's drip painting techniques, where paint is splattered onto canvas to create energetic designs.
Many artists use splashing to illustrate movement and emotion, capturing the unpredictability of nature on their canvases.
The image of paint splashes has become iconic in various mediums, symbolizing freedom and spontaneity.

Culture

Splashing is a common activity in summer, often associated with joy, playfulness, and outdoor water activities.
In many cultures, the act of splashing water during festivals signifies purification and celebration, such as Songkran in Thailand.
Media often depict splashes as fun and exciting, commonly used in advertisements for summer sports or family-friendly products.

Entertainment

Many children’s games, like 'splash ball' or water balloon fights, incorporate the concept of splashing to engage participants.
In movies, splashes are often used in action scenes to amplify drama, like when heroes or villains jump into water.
Animated films frequently use splashes to create fun scenes, emphasizing the playful nature of water-related adventures.

Translations

Translations of the word "splash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 borrifo

🇮🇳 छपाका

🇩🇪 Spritzer

🇮🇩 percikan

🇺🇦 бризки

🇵🇱 plusk

🇯🇵 飛沫 (ひまつ, himatsu)

🇫🇷 éclaboussure

🇪🇸 salpicadura

🇹🇷 sıçrama

🇰🇷 튀김 (twigim)

🇸🇦 رذاذ (rathath)

🇨🇿 šplouchnutí

🇸🇰 šplech

🇨🇳 飞溅 (fēijiàn)

🇸🇮 pljusk

🇮🇸 skvett

🇰🇿 шашырау

🇬🇪 შხეფი (shkhepi)

🇦🇿 çilə

🇲🇽 salpicadura

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,054, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14051 applauded
14052 defeats
14053 grafting
14054 splash
14055 reputable
14056 pros
14057 curative
...