DABBLE Meaning and
Definition
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Dabble is a transitive and intransitive verb that refers to the act of engaging in an activity or pursuing a particular interest casually or superficially. It often implies a lack of deep expertise or commitment to the task or subject at hand.
When used as a transitive verb, "to dabble" means to touch or immerse oneself briefly or intermittently in a particular activity. For example, one might say, "He dabbles in painting on weekends," suggesting that the individual spends limited time or effort on the artistic pursuit.
As an intransitive verb, "to dabble" means to take part in an activity without fully dedicating oneself to it. For instance, one could say, "She dabbles in various hobbies, but never truly masters any of them," indicating that the person experiments with a range of interests but does not devote substantial time or commitment to becoming proficient.
In a broader sense, "dabble" can also denote the act of engaging superficially in different fields or areas of knowledge. It implies a lack of deep understanding or expertise and often refers to a person who has a tangential grasp of various subjects without truly specializing in any.
Overall, dabble conveys the idea of testing the waters or experimenting with an activity or interest, but without investing significant efforts or making a serious commitment.
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To play among water, or among mud and water; to throw water and splash it about; to do anything in a slight and superficial manner; to meddle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DABBLE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DABBLE
Etymology of DABBLE
The word "dabble" originated from the Middle Dutch word "dabben", which means "to tap". It is related to the Old High German word "tap(p)ōn" and the German word "tappen", both referring to light touching or striking. In English, "dabble" was initially used to describe the sound made by water when it is lightly splashed or stirred, and it later came to encompass the action of lightly immersing or engaging in an activity.
Idioms with the word DABBLE
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dabble in sth
The idiomatic expression "dabble in sth" refers to engaging in an activity or subject matter in a superficial or casual manner, without dedicating oneself fully to it. It implies experimenting or trying out something without deep commitment or expertise.
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dabble at sth
The idiom "dabble at something" means to engage in an activity or pursue a particular interest without making a serious commitment or investment of time, effort, or skill. It implies a superficial or casual involvement in a particular area, lacking depth or expertise.
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dabble at (something)
To "dabble at (something)" means to engage in an activity or pursue a particular interest sporadically or casually, without fully committing to it or becoming deeply involved. It implies doing something as a hobby or experimenting with it to some extent, but not dedicating a significant amount of time, effort, or expertise to it.
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dabble in (something)
The idiom "dabble in (something)" means to engage or involve oneself in an activity or subject without serious commitment or deep involvement. It implies a superficial or casual interest or experimentation in the particular matter.
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dabble in
The idiom "dabble in" means to engage or involve oneself in a particular activity or endeavor lightly or casually, without making a significant commitment or becoming fully immersed in it. It conveys the idea of experimenting or dabbling with something without a serious intent or in-depth involvement.
Similar spelling words for DABBLE
Conjugate verb Dabble
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have dabbled
you
would have dabbled
he/she/it
would have dabbled
we
would have dabbled
they
would have dabbled
I
would have dabble
you
would have dabble
he/she/it
would have dabble
we
would have dabble
they
would have dabble
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been dabbling
you
would have been dabbling
he/she/it
would have been dabbling
we
would have been dabbling
they
would have been dabbling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would dabble
you
would dabble
he/she/it
would dabble
we
would dabble
they
would dabble
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be dabbling
you
would be dabbling
he/she/it
would be dabbling
we
would be dabbling
they
would be dabbling
FUTURE
I
will dabble
you
will dabble
he/she/it
will dabble
we
will dabble
they
will dabble
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be dabbling
you
will be dabbling
he/she/it
will be dabbling
we
will be dabbling
they
will be dabbling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have dabbled
you
will have dabbled
he/she/it
will have dabbled
we
will have dabbled
they
will have dabbled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been dabbling
you
will have been dabbling
he/she/it
will have been dabbling
we
will have been dabbling
they
will have been dabbling
IMPERATIVE
you
dabble
we
let´s dabble
to dabble
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was dabbling
you
were dabbling
he/she/it
was dabbling
we
were dabbling
they
were dabbling
PAST PARTICIPLE
dabbled
PAST PERFECT
I
had dabbled
you
had dabbled
he/she/it
had dabbled
we
had dabbled
they
had dabbled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been dabbling
you
had been dabbling
he/she/it
had been dabbling
we
had been dabbling
they
had been dabbling
PRESENT
I
dabble
you
dabble
he/she/it
dabbles
we
dabble
they
dabble
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am dabbling
you
are dabbling
he/she/it
is dabbling
we
are dabbling
they
are dabbling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
dabbling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have dabbled
you
have dabbled
he/she/it
has dabbled
we
have dabbled
they
have dabbled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been dabbling
you
have been dabbling
he/she/it
has been dabbling
we
have been dabbling
they
have been dabbling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
dabble
SIMPLE PAST
I
dabbled
you
dabbled
he/she/it
dabbled
we
dabbled
they
dabbled
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