Dictionary
1dive
verb \ˈdīv\
: to jump into water with your arms and head going in first
: to swim underwater usually while using special equipment to help you breathe
: to go underwater or down to a deeper level underwater
dived \ˈdīvd\ or dove \ˈdōv\ dived also dovediv·ing
Full 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>
See dive defined for English-language learners
See dive defined for kids
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.
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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
2dive
noun
: a jump into water with your arms and head going in first
: an act of swimming underwater usually while using special equipment (such as a snorkel or air tank) to help you breathe
: a usually steep downward movement of a submarine, airplane, bird, etc.
Full Definition of DIVE
1
: the act or an instance of diving: as a (1) : a plunge into water executed in a prescribed manner (2) : a submerging of a submarine (3) : a steep descent of an airplane at greater than the maximum horizontal speed b : a sharp decline
2
: a shabby and disreputable establishment (as a bar or nightclub)
3
: a faked knockout —usually used in the phrase take a dive
4
: an offensive play in football in which the ballcarrier plunges into the line for short yardage
See dive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DIVE
1700
DIVE Defined for Kids
1dive
verb \ˈdīv\
dived or dove \ˈdōv\div·ing
Definition of DIVE for Kids
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.>
— div·er noun
2dive
noun
Definition of DIVE for Kids
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.>
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