WordGarden.iodive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈaɪv/
US
- /ˈdaɪv/
Meanings
Verb
to jump or plunge into water, especially headfirst
to move or fall suddenly downward, or for a value to drop sharply
to start doing or examining something with energy or close attention
More meaningsFewer meanings
to fall deliberately in a sport to deceive an official
Noun
a jump or plunge into water
a cheap, shabby, or disreputable bar or entertainment venue
Beyond the definition
To dive most literally means to go quickly into water—often by jumping in headfirst, like a swimmer leaving the starting block or a diver entering the pool. But it is more than just something you do in water. You can dive out of the way or dive for cover, meaning you drop suddenly to avoid danger. You can also dive into a new project, meaning you throw yourself into it with energy and focus. A stock price might dive, meaning it falls fast. A plane can dive too, dropping steeply. Overall, the word suggests a quick, often dramatic drop or a sudden move into something. A deep-sea explorer might dive to the ocean floor, while a curious reader might dive into a fascinating book.
The word "dive" carries a surprising amount of weight—and depth! At its core, it describes the act of plunging into water, whether headfirst or feet-first. Think of playful children diving for coins tossed in a pool or skilled divers exploring coral reefs. "She took a deep breath and dived into the cool ocean."
But "dive" extends far beyond aquatic adventures. It can describe any rapid descent—like when stock prices dive during a market crash ("The market dived sharply after the announcement."). It also fits vehicles and motion: a plane can dive as it drops steeply, and a bird can dive toward the water to catch a fish. The verb also signifies becoming deeply involved in something; to dive into a new hobby means to immerse yourself completely, dedicating time and energy to learning it ("He dived headfirst into woodworking, spending every weekend in his workshop.").
Figuratively, "dive" can mean to explore or investigate thoroughly. A journalist might dive into a complex investigation to uncover hidden truths, or you might dive into someone's past to research their history. The word even functions as a noun: a "dive bar" refers to a small, unpretentious, and perhaps slightly seedy drinking establishment. In sports, an athlete might "take a dive," meaning they have faked a fall (or even deliberately lost) to deceive someone.
"Dive" can also be used outside water in a very physical way: you can dive behind a wall, dive under a table, or dive into a ditch—quick, sudden movements downward, usually to avoid something.
The intensity of the action is key—it is not just entering something, but doing so with speed, commitment, and often a sense of risk or excitement. Whether you are physically plunging into water or metaphorically immersing yourself in a new experience, to dive means to go all-in, quickly and completely.
Examples
- 1
Swimming
She took a deep breath and dived into the pool.
- 2
Animal hunting
A hawk dived down and caught the mouse.
- 3
Safety reaction
When the glass shattered, we all dived for cover.
- Phrasedive for cover
move quickly to a safer place
- 4
Stock market
The company's share price dived after the earnings report.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Enthusiastic reading
I can't wait to dive into this new novel tonight.
- Patterndive into + book/project
start it with a lot of interest or energy
- 6
Starting action
We didn't have a full plan, but we decided to dive in anyway.
- Phrasedive in
start immediately
- 7
Scuba activity
We did two dives before lunch on our first day in Bali.
- 8
Nightlife
There's a little dive near the station where local bands play.
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- divenounverb
Forms
- diving-ing formverbnoun
- dovepast tenseverbnoun
- divespluralnounverb
- divedpast tensepast participleverbnoun