dive

¹dive

verb \ˈdīv\

dived\ˈdīvd\ or dove\ˈdōv\dived also dovediv·ing

Definition of DIVE

intransitive verb

1

a : to plunge into water intentionally and especially headfirst; also : to execute a dive b : submerge <the submarine dived>

2

a : to come or drop down precipitously : plunge <the temperature is diving> b : to plunge one's hand into something c of an airplane : to descend in a dive

3

a : to plunge into some matter or activity <she dove into her studies> b : to plunge or dash for some place <diving for cover>; also : to lunge especially in order to seize something <dove for the ball>

transitive verb

1

: to thrust into something

2

: to cause to dive <dive a submarine>

Usage Discussion of DIVE

Dive, which was originally a weak verb, developed a past tense dove, probably by analogy with verbs like drive, drove. Dove exists in some British dialects and has become the standard past tense especially in speech in some parts of Canada. In the United States dived and dove are both widespread in speech as past tense and past participle, with dove less common than dived in the south Midland area, and dived less common than dove in the Northern and north Midland areas. In writing, the past tense dived is usual in British English and somewhat more common in American English. Dove seems relatively rare as a past participle in writing.

Examples of DIVE

1. She dove into the swimming pool.
2. The children like to dive off the boat.
3. The competitors will be diving from the highest platform.
4. Many people enjoy diving on the island's coral reefs.
5. You can't dive in this water without a wet suit.
6. The submarine can dive to 3,000 feet.
7. The whale dove down to deeper water.

Origin of DIVE

Middle English diven, duven, from Old English dȳfan to dip & dūfan to dive; akin to Old English dyppan to dip — more at dip

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DIVE

Synonyms: pitch, plunge, sound

Antonyms: arise, ascend, lift, mount, rise, soar, spike, up

Related Words: dip, immerse, submerge; belly flop, plump, plunk (or plonk)

Near Antonyms: surface

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with DIVE

chive, Clive, drive, five, gyve, hive, jive, live, rive, shrive, skive, strive, thrive, wive