Dabbles is a verb that means to work at something in a not very serious way, often in order to find out more about it. The phonetic transcription of dabbles is /ˈdæbəlz/. The first syllable, /dæb/, rhymes with the word cab. The second syllable, /əlz/, rhymes with the word halls. The double B in the spelling of dabbles is there to indicate that the vowel sound in the first syllable should be pronounced as a short "a" sound rather than a long "a" sound.
The word "dabbles" is a verb with two main dictionary definitions. The first definition refers to engaging in an activity or pursuing a particular interest in a casual or superficial manner. When someone dabbles in something, they are experimenting or testing the waters rather than fully committing to it. This word conveys the idea of participating in something temporarily or sporadically. For example, someone may dabble in photography by occasionally taking pictures without pursuing it as a serious hobby or profession.
The second definition of "dabbles" is related to water or liquid. It refers to the act of dipping or splashing something in a liquid substance, such as water or paint, in a casual or playful manner. This action is often done with the intention of getting a small amount of the liquid onto the object or oneself. For instance, a child might dabble their fingers in a puddle, or an artist might dabble their brush in paint to create a light, delicate stroke.
Overall, "dabbles" refers to engaging in an activity superficially or experimenting with something without fully committing. It can also describe the act of playfully dipping or splashing a liquid onto something.
The word dabbles originates from the Middle English verb dabben, which can be traced back to the Old English word dæbbian. In Old English, dæbbian meant to strike or to poke. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved, and in Middle English, dabben came to refer to making quick, light movements with one's hands or fingers. This sense of quick, light movements then expanded to include activities involving unskilled or superficial participation, leading to the modern meaning of dabbles.