DITCHES Meaning and
Definition
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Ditches are narrow channels or trenches dug into the ground, usually with sloping sides, designed to carry and control the flow of water. They are typically employed in drainage systems to manage the excess water that accumulates in a particular area, such as after heavy rainfall or during irrigation. Ditches are commonly found alongside roads, agricultural fields, and residential properties.
The primary purpose of ditches is to redirect water away from areas where it may cause damage or pose a risk. By collecting and channeling excess water, ditches help prevent flooding, erosion, and the formation of standing water that can attract pests or harbor diseases. Additionally, ditches can be used to direct water towards storage areas, such as reservoirs or irrigation canals, for future use in farming or other purposes.
Ditches can vary in size, depth, and shape depending on their intended function and the specific terrain. They can be hand-dug or excavated using machinery, such as backhoes or bulldozers. Some ditches may also include lining materials or grading to enhance their efficiency and longevity.
In a broader sense, "ditches" can also refer to the act of abandoning or discarding something. For example, if someone "ditches" their responsibilities, they are neglecting or avoiding them. Similarly, if someone "ditches" an item, they are deliberately getting rid of it.
Common Misspellings for DITCHES
Etymology of DITCHES
The word "ditches" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Old English word "dic" or "ditch", which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*dikkaz". This Proto-Germanic word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*deik-" or "*deig-", meaning "to show" or "to point out".
The original meaning of "ditch" was a trench or excavation made in the ground, typically to drain water or create a boundary. Over time, the word also came to refer to narrow channels or watercourses. Its association with digging or creating a visible separation is likely connected to its etymological root, which suggests a concept of marking or pointing out boundaries or paths.
Idioms with the word DITCHES
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keep it between the ditches
The idiom "keep it between the ditches" is commonly used in the context of driving or staying on the road. It means to maintain control and stay within the boundaries or lines marking the lanes of a road. It can also be applied metaphorically to mean staying focused, not getting distracted, and remaining on the right path or within the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Similar spelling words for DITCHES
Conjugate verb Ditches
CONDITIONAL
I
would ditch
we
would ditch
you
would ditch
he/she/it
would ditch
they
would ditch
FUTURE
I
will ditch
we
will ditch
you
will ditch
he/she/it
will ditch
they
will ditch
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have ditched
we
will have ditched
you
will have ditched
he/she/it
will have ditched
they
will have ditched
PAST
I
ditched
we
ditched
you
ditched
he/she/it
ditched
they
ditched
PAST PERFECT
I
had ditched
we
had ditched
you
had ditched
he/she/it
had ditched
they
had ditched
PRESENT
I
ditch
we
ditch
you
ditch
he/she/it
ditches
they
ditch
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have ditched
we
have ditched
you
have ditched
he/she/it
has ditched
they
have ditched
I
am ditching
we
are ditching
you
are ditching
he/she/it
is ditching
they
are ditching
I
was ditching
we
were ditching
you
were ditching
he/she/it
was ditching
they
were ditching
I
will be ditching
we
will be ditching
you
will be ditching
he/she/it
will be ditching
they
will be ditching
I
have been ditching
we
have been ditching
you
have been ditching
he/she/it
has been ditching
they
have been ditching
I
had been ditching
we
had been ditching
you
had been ditching
he/she/it
had been ditching
they
had been ditching
I
will have been ditching
we
will have been ditching
you
will have been ditching
he/she/it
will have been ditching
they
will have been ditching
I
would have ditched
we
would have ditched
you
would have ditched
he/she/it
would have ditched
they
would have ditched
I
would be ditching
we
would be ditching
you
would be ditching
he/she/it
would be ditching
they
would be ditching
I
would have been ditching
we
would have been ditching
you
would have been ditching
he/she/it
would have been ditching
they
would have been ditching
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