How Do You Spell DUG AT?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌɡ at] (IPA)

The word "dug at" is composed of two syllables: "dug" and "at". The first syllable, "dug", is spelled with the IPA symbol /dʌɡ/, with the sound of 'd' at the beginning, followed by a short vowel sound 'ʌ' and a hard 'g'. The second syllable is pronounced with the IPA symbol /æt/, with a short vowel sound 'æ' and a pronounced 't' at the end. "Dug at" can be used to describe the action of digging or poking at something with a pointed object.

DUG AT Meaning and Definition

1. "Dug at" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of probing or searching for something by applying forceful or repetitive actions with a digging instrument, such as a shovel, or with one's hands, fingers or claws. This action typically involves making excavating movements or deep thrusts to remove or dislodge material, whether it be dirt, soil, sand, or other substances.

   The verb "dug" in this context implies the act of forcefully penetrating or breaking the surface of something, while the preposition "at" denotes the focus or target of the digging action. When someone "dugs at" an object or material, it indicates a persistent and determined effort to manipulate or uncover it.

   This expression can be used both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it refers to the physical act of excavating or breaking ground, such as when a person digs at a construction site or while gardening. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of a person persistently or tenaciously attempting to unveil, solve, or understand something. For example, one might say, "She dug at her memories to remember what happened that day."

   Overall, "dug at" describes the action of forcefully and repeatedly probing or searching for something by applying excavating movements or digging actions.

Common Misspellings for DUG AT

• dugit
• dugat
• dugut
• dugout
• dogat
• sug at
• xug at
• cug at
• fug at
• eug at
• d7g at
• duf at
• duv at
• dub at
• duh at
• duy at
• dut at
• dug zt
• dug st
• dug wt

Etymology of DUG AT

"Dug at" is not a standalone word in English, but a phrase that consists of two separate words: "dug" and "at". Here is a breakdown of the etymology of each word:

1. Dug:

The word "dug" is the past tense of the verb "dig". It derives from the Old English word "dygc(e)an", which means "to dig". This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "duganą", meaning "to pierce" or "to break up". The word has remained relatively unchanged throughout the Germanic languages and is also related to words like "dog", "dagger", and "dike", all of which involve cutting or breaking through something.

2. At:

The word "at" in this context is a preposition that expresses the location or direction of an action.