The word "dive" in English primarily refers to a movement downwards, particularly into water or through the air.
Diving: A Closer Look
According to the provided reference, "dive" as a verb (MOVE DOWN) means:
to jump head first into water, esp. with your arms held straight above your head, or to move down quickly through water or the air: Mark dove off the cliff into the ocean.7 days ago
Let's break down this definition and explore different scenarios where "dive" is used:
Diving into Water
- This is perhaps the most common understanding of the word. It involves jumping into water headfirst, typically with the arms extended above the head.
- Example: A skilled swimmer executed a beautiful dive into the pool.
- This type of dive is often seen in sports like swimming and diving competitions.
Moving Down Quickly Through Water or Air
- "Dive" can also mean a quick descent through a liquid or gas.
- Example: The submarine began to dive to a greater depth.
- Example: The hawk dove down to catch its prey.
Other Contexts
While less common, "dive" can also be used figuratively to describe:
- Intense Engagement: I had to dive into the research to understand the issue. (Meaning: to become very involved)
- Sudden Action: The market took a dive after the announcement. (Meaning: a sudden decrease in value)
Summary
In summary, "dive" mainly refers to a swift downward movement, especially into water or through air. The specific meaning is determined by the context.
