Pronunciation: [dˈablɪŋ] (IPA) 
Dabbling is a verb that refers to the act of dipping something into water or liquid briefly and lightly. The spelling of the word "dabbling" is quite simple, as it is phonetically spelled as /ˈdæb.lɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced like "dab," with a short "a" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with an "i" sound as in "bit." The final syllable is pronounced as "ling," with the "i" sound again, and a soft "ng" ending.
Dabbling refers to engaging in various activities or subjects in a superficial or casual manner, without dedicating a significant amount of time or effort to mastering or deeply understanding them. It often entails experimenting or briefly delving into different interests or areas of knowledge without committing to a specific pursuit.
In the context of hobbies or interests, dabbling suggests that one enjoys exploring a wide range of activities without fully committing to any one of them. Dabblers may try out different sports, arts, or crafts, but might not become highly skilled or dedicated in any particular area. They are content with sampling different activities for the sake of enjoyment or curiosity, without the intent to specialize or excel.
Similarly, dabbling can also describe an approach to learning where one gains surface-level knowledge in multiple subjects, but does not become an expert in any. Dabblers often have a broad understanding of various topics but lack depth or mastery in a specific field. This might involve reading introductory books or taking basic courses in various subjects without diving deeply into advanced or specialized material.
Overall, dabbling refers to a casual, exploratory approach to activities or subjects, characterized by a lack of commitment or complete immersion. It suggests an interest in diverse areas without an emphasis on specialization or deep understanding.
* 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.
The word "dabbling" originated from the verb "dabble", which originated in the late Middle English period. The exact etymology of "dabble" is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Middle Dutch word "dabbelen", meaning "to paddle in water". This Middle Dutch word is thought to have been influenced by the sound of splashing water. Over time, the meaning of "dabble" expanded from its original association with water to include the idea of doing something superficially or without serious commitment, which is the sense most commonly associated with "dabbling" today.
