Dive

Definition

Dive refers to the act of jumping or plunging headfirst into water or the sudden descent in flight or movement. It can also mean to immerse oneself deeply into a task or subject.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daɪv/
• Respelling: dyv

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daɪv/
• Respelling: dyv

The pronunciation of "dive" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "dive" comes from the Old English "dyfan," meaning "to dip or submerge." Its usage expanded during Middle English to include both physical and metaphorical meanings, including jumping into water or an activity, and rapidly descending.

Derivatives

• Diver (noun)
• Diving (verb)
• Deep-dive (noun)
• Dove (past tense of dive, verb)
• Scuba diving (noun)

Synonyms

• Plunge
• Submerge
• Descend

Antonyms

• Rise
• Ascend
• Surface

Usage

The word "dive" is frequently used in physical contexts to describe the act of plunging into water, as in "He took a running dive into the pool." It is also used in aviation to describe a sudden descent, as in "The plane went into a dive." Additionally, it has a metaphorical meaning when describing a deep focus or investigation into a subject, for example, "The scientist took a deep dive into the data."

Related Terms

• Submerge: To go underwater or to make something go underwater.
• Plummet: To fall or drop straight down at high speed.
• Scuba: A system for underwater breathing using a self-contained apparatus.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of jumping or plunging into water: Refers to physically entering water, typically headfirst.
  • Example: "The professional swimmer executed a perfect dive from the platform."
• A rapid descent by an aircraft or bird: Describes the swift downward movement of an object, typically in flight.
  • Example: "The hawk went into a dive to catch its prey."

Verb

• To plunge into water headfirst: Refers to physically jumping into water with the head leading.
  • Example: "He dove into the lake from the dock."
• To descend quickly: Refers to the act of rapidly moving downwards, especially in flight.
  • Example: "The plane dove toward the ground in an emergency maneuver."
• To immerse oneself deeply into a task or subject: Refers to the act of engaging in something with great focus or intensity.
  • Example: "She dove into the research to complete her thesis."