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dabble

[ˈdæbl]

dabble Definition

  • 1to take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way
  • 2to splash or play in water

Using dabble: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dabble" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She dabbles in painting but doesn't take it seriously.

  • Example

    He dabbled in politics before deciding to pursue a career in law.

  • Example

    The children were happily dabbling in the shallow end of the pool.

  • Example

    I like to dabble with different recipes when I cook.

dabble Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dabble

  • toy with
  • play with
  • tinker with
  • experiment with
  • amuse oneself with

Antonyms for dabble

  • focus on
  • concentrate on
  • devote oneself to

Idioms Using dabble

  • a person who is skilled or expert at something

    Example

    She's a dab hand at fixing things around the house.

  • to make a clumsy or ineffectual attempt at something

    Example

    He made a dab at repairing the car engine, but ended up making it worse.

  • dab of paint

    a small amount of paint applied with a quick, light stroke

    Example

    She added a dab of paint to the canvas to create a highlight.

Phrases with dabble

  • to try something out without serious intentions or commitment

    Example

    She's been dabbling in photography lately, but she's not sure if she wants to pursue it as a career.

  • dabble one's feet in

    to start doing something new or unfamiliar in a cautious way

    Example

    After years of working in finance, he decided to dabble his feet in entrepreneurship by starting a small business on the side.

  • to have a casual interest in or practice of supernatural or magical beliefs and practices

    Example

    Some people dabble in the occult as a form of entertainment or curiosity, while others take it more seriously.

Origins of dabble

from Middle Dutch 'dabbelen', meaning 'to paddle in water'

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Summary: dabble in Brief

The verb 'dabble' [ˈdæbl] means to participate in an activity in a casual or superficial way, such as 'She dabbles in painting but doesn't take it seriously.' It can also refer to playing or splashing in water. 'Dabble' is often used in phrases like 'dabble in' and 'dabble one's feet in,' which denote trying something out without serious commitment. The idiom 'dab hand at something' refers to a person who is skilled or expert at something.

How do native speakers use this expression?