dabbling

/ˈdæb.əl/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈæbəlɪŋ] /ˈdæb.əl/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈæbəlɪŋ] /ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ/ (ame, mw)

dabbling — verb

  • dabblingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • dabblings3rd person singular
  • dabblinging-ing form
  • dabblingedpast simple

1. to spend a little time trying an activity or learning about a subject, without p

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to spend a little time trying an activity or learning about a subject, without planning to do it seriously or for long.

例句

Elise is dabbling in pottery classes before choosing a serious hobby.

dabble in + activity before deeper commitment

Rachid has been dabbling in Italian through cooking videos online.

dabble in + subject

同義詞
  • experiment

    suggests trying things out more actively to see what works

  • sample

    often means trying just one small part or one occasion

  • explore

    broader and more neutral; it can be casual or serious

反義詞
  • specialize

    implies focused, long-term commitment to one field

  • commit

    suggests deciding to continue seriously

文法句型

dabble in + subject

dabble with + activity

用法筆記

Usually followed by in before a subject area, or with before a practical activity. It suggests curiosity without long-term commitment, unlike studying or training seriously.

常見錯誤

❌Rachid is dabbling Italian this summer.
✅Rachid is dabbling in Italian this summer.
💡this sense normally takes in before the subject or field.

2. to move a hand, foot, or similar body part lightly around in water for a short t

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to move a hand, foot, or similar body part lightly around in water for a short time.

例句

Dahlia sat on the dock, dabbling her toes in the lake.

dabble + body part + in + water

On hot afternoons, Sari loved dabbling her hands in the fountain.

同義詞
  • paddle

    usually suggests feet or hands moving in shallow water

  • dip

    often one brief movement rather than playful motion

  • splash

    more energetic and less gentle than dabble

文法句型

dabble + body part + in + water

dabble at the edge of + water

用法筆記

The object is usually a hand, foot, finger, or toe, and the place is shallow water. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is physical play in water, not casual interest in a topic.

常見錯誤

❌Sari was dabbling the lake with her hands.
✅Sari was dabbling her hands in the lake.
💡this sense takes the body part as the object and uses in for the water.

dabbling — noun