Definition of dive
dived
play \ˈdīvd\ ordove
play \ˈdōv\;dived
alsodove
;diving
intransitive verb
1a : to plunge into water intentionally and especially headfirst; also : to execute a dive (see 2dive 1a(1)) diving into the pool from the highest platformb : submerge the submarine dived
2a : to come or drop down precipitously : plunge the temperature is divingb : to plunge one's hand into something dived into his pocketc of an airplane : to descend in a dive
3a : to plunge into some matter or activity she dove into her studiesb : 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 diving one's hands into the icy water
2 : to cause to dive dive a submarine
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
dived vs. dove
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 U.S. 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 in a Sentence
She dove into the swimming pool.
The children like to dive off the boat.
The competitors will be diving from the highest platform.
Many people enjoy diving on the island's coral reefs.
You can't dive in this water without a wet suit.
The submarine can dive to 3,000 feet.
The whale dove down to deeper water.
Origin and Etymology 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
dive
Definition of dive
1 : the act or an instance of diving: such asa (1) : a plunge into water executed in a prescribed manner practicing her dives (2) nautical : a submerging of a submarine (3) aviation : a steep descent of an airplane at greater than the maximum speed of horizontal flightb : a sharp decline Stocks took a dive.
2 : a shabby and disreputable establishment (such as a bar or nightclub)
3 combat sports : a faked knockout —usually used in the phrase take a dive a boxer accused of taking a dive
4 football : an offensive (see 1offensive 1c) play in which the ballcarrier plunges into the line (see 1line 7f(2)) for short yardage
Examples of dive in a Sentence
She practiced her dives for the competition.
This will be my first dive on a coral reef.
She has done dives all around the world.
The crew of the submarine prepared for a dive.
The jet rolled into a dive.
Origin and Etymology of dive
see 1dive
DIVE Defined for English Language Learners
dive
playDefinition of dive for English Language Learners
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: to jump into water with your arms and head going in first
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: to swim underwater usually while using special equipment to help you breathe
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: to go underwater or down to a deeper level underwater
dive
Definition of dive for English Language Learners
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: a jump into water with your arms and head going in first
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: an act of swimming underwater usually while using special equipment (such as a snorkel or air tank) to help you breathe
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: a usually steep downward movement of a submarine, airplane, bird, etc.
DIVE Defined for Kids
Definition of dive for Students
dived
ordove
\ˈdōv\;diving
1 : to plunge into water headfirst
2 : to swim underwater especially while using special equipment
3 : submerge 1 The submarine dived.
4 : to fall fast The temperature is diving.
5 : to descend in an airplane at a steep angle
6 : to move forward suddenly into or at something We dove for cover.
diver
nounDefinition of dive for Students
1 : an act of plunging headfirst into water
2 : an act of swimming underwater especially while using special equipment
3 : an act of submerging a submarine
4 : a quick drop (as of prices)
5 : a sudden movement forward into or at something He made a dive for the door.
Learn More about dive
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See words that rhyme with dive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dive Spanish Central: Translation of dive Nglish: Translation of dive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dive for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dive
Seen and Heard
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