Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Swim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏊
Add to dictionary

swim

[swɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in water

To move through water by moving your body with your arms and legs

Synonyms

dive, float, paddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
swim

General term for moving through water using arms and legs. Suitable for recreational or competitive activities.

  • I love to swim in the ocean during the summer
  • He's been practicing to swim faster for the upcoming competition
dive

Entering water headfirst, often from a height. Can also mean quickly sinking into water. Used in competitive sports or recreationally.

  • The children like to dive off the dock into the lake
  • She made a perfect dive and impressed the judges
float

Remaining on the surface of the water without sinking. Often used for relaxation.

  • After swimming, I like to float on my back and look at the sky
  • The lifeguard taught us how to float to stay safe if we get tired
paddle

Moving through water using hands or a paddle, usually in shallow water or in a small boat. Has a less formal and more leisurely connotation than 'swim'.

  • The kids were paddling in the shallow end of the pool
  • We had a great time paddling the canoe down the river

Examples of usage

  • I love to swim in the ocean.
  • She swims every morning at the pool.
  • They swam across the lake to reach the other side.
  • We can swim faster if we practice more.
  • The little girl is learning how to swim.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

The activity or sport of moving through water by moving your body with your arms and legs

Synonyms

aquatics, bathing, dip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
swim

General term for moving through water using the limbs, often for exercise, competition, or recreation.

  • I like to swim in the ocean during summer.
  • She swims laps at the local pool every morning.
aquatics

Refers to water-based sports and activities, often used in official or formal contexts.

  • The school's aquatics program includes swimming, diving, and water polo.
  • He excels in various aquatics events, including freestyle and backstroke.
bathing

Typically means washing oneself in a tub or shower, but can also refer to leisurely swimming in a more relaxed manner.

  • I enjoy bathing in the hot springs to relax.
  • The family spent the afternoon bathing in the lake.
dip

Informal term for a short or quick swim, often used when the goal is to cool off rather than to swim extensively.

  • After the hike, we took a quick dip in the river to cool off.
  • The water was cold, but I managed a brief dip.

Examples of usage

  • She is a champion in swimming competitions.
  • Swimming is a great way to stay in shape.
  • Do you enjoy swimming in the summer?
  • We have a swimming pool in our backyard.
  • I used to take swimming lessons when I was younger.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Swimming has been a crucial skill and recreational activity in various cultures since ancient times, often linked to survival.
  • Competitive swimming is one of the oldest Olympic sports, dating back to the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Health and Fitness

  • Swimming is a low-impact exercise, making it great for people of all ages, providing both cardiovascular benefits and strength training.
  • Many athletes use swimming as a cross-training method to improve stamina and flexibility without putting stress on their joints.

Science

  • Swimmers can experience a unique buoyancy due to water's density, allowing them to float and move with less resistance.
  • The human body's natural tendency to float varies based on body fat percentage, which plays a role in swimming skills.

Psychological Benefits

  • Many people find swimming calming; being in water can reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing overall mood.
  • Studies suggest that spending time in or near water can lead to increased creativity and mental clarity.

Origin of 'swim'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swim' comes from the Old English term 'swimm', which means to move in water.
  • Many languages have similar roots for the word; for example, 'nadar' in Spanish and 'nager' in French also mean to swim.

The word 'swim' has Old English origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'swemjan'. Swimming has been a form of physical exercise and recreation for centuries, with evidence of swimming dating back to ancient civilizations. Competitive swimming as a sport became popular in the 19th century, and swimming has since become an essential life skill. Today, swimming is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

See also: swimming.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,105 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.