Swim: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "swim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nadar

🇮🇳 तैरना

🇩🇪 schwimmen

🇮🇩 berenang

🇺🇦 плавати

🇵🇱 pływać

🇯🇵 泳ぐ

🇫🇷 nager

🇪🇸 nadar

🇹🇷 yüzmek

🇰🇷 수영하다

🇸🇦 سباحة

🇨🇿 plavat

🇸🇰 plávať

🇨🇳 游泳

🇸🇮 plavati

🇮🇸 synda

🇰🇿 жүзу

🇬🇪 ცურვა

🇦🇿 üzmək

🇲🇽 nadar

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.

...
8102 pad
8103 garment
8104 envy
8105 swim
8106 multiplication
8107 desperately
8108 wisely
...