Surfing: meaning, definitions and examples

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surfing

 

[หˆsษœหrfษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

water sport

Surfing is the sport of riding on a wave while standing on a surfboard. It originated in ancient Polynesia and has become popular worldwide, especially in coastal regions with good waves.

Synonyms

surfboarding, wave riding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surfing

General term for the activity of riding waves, using a surfboard or similar tool. It is the most commonly used word when referring to the sport as a whole.

  • I love surfing early in the morning when the waves are perfect.
  • We watched a surfing competition at the beach yesterday.
wave riding

Can be used to refer to surfing but sounds more poetic or descriptive. It can apply to any activity where waves are ridden, not strictly surfing.

  • Wave riding gives you an amazing feeling of freedom.
  • Many people enjoy wave riding as a way to connect with the ocean.
surfboarding

Less commonly used; specifically refers to the act of riding waves on a surfboard. Might sound a bit outdated or formal.

  • He started surfboarding when he was just a child.
  • They spent their vacation surfboarding in Hawaii.

Examples of usage

  • I love surfing in Hawaii.
  • Surfing requires good balance and strength.
Context #2 | Verb

internet

Surfing also refers to browsing the internet, moving from one webpage to another in search of information or entertainment.

Synonyms

browsing, exploring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surfing

Typically used when casually looking through content on the internet without a specific goal. It implies a more relaxed and aimless activity.

  • He spent the evening surfing the web for funny videos.
  • She enjoys surfing through different travel blogs.
browsing

Used when looking through information or items, either online or in physical locations, without a specific target or purpose. It implies a light, non-committal search.

  • She was just browsing in the bookstore, not really looking to buy anything.
  • He spent an hour browsing through online job postings.
exploring

Implies a more in-depth search or investigation, often with the intent of discovering new information or understanding something better. It gives a sense of curiosity and purpose.

  • They are exploring new software for their project.
  • She loves exploring different cultures by traveling to new countries.

Examples of usage

  • I spent hours surfing the web last night.
  • He enjoys surfing social media sites.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'surfing' originates from the Hawaiian word 'he'e nalu,' which means 'to slide on water.'
  • In the early 1900s, the word began to be used in the English language, particularly in reference to this water sport.

History

  • Surfing was first practiced by ancient Polynesians, particularly Hawaiian culture, who rode waves as early as the 12th century.
  • In the 1950s, surfing surged in popularity in California, largely due to the influence of movies and music.

Pop Culture

  • The 1966 film 'The Endless Summer' helped popularize surfing culture worldwide, showcasing surfers traveling the globe.
  • Surfer culture has significantly influenced fashion and music, with iconic surf-rock bands like the Beach Boys shaping the genre.

Science

  • Surfing is affected by ocean currents, wind patterns, and the geography of the coastline, which can all change wave quality.
  • Learning the physics of wave formation can help surfers understand the best times to ride different waves.

Psychology

  • Surfing can induce a state of flow, where surfers experience heightened focus and energy, leading to increased happiness.
  • Riding waves provides a unique way to connect with nature, offering mental health benefits through physical activity and mindfulness.

Translations

Translations of the word "surfing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น surfe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฐเฅเคซเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Surfen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ selancar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตั€ั„ั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ surfing

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ตใƒผใƒ•ใ‚ฃใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท surf

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ surf

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรถrf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„œํ•‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูƒูˆุจ ุงู„ุฃู…ูˆุงุฌ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ surfovรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ surfovanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ†ฒๆตช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ deskanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brimbretti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะตั€ั„ะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒ แƒคแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรถrf

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ surf

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,347, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.