Vocabulary Spotlight
Dabble
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
“She likes to dabble in painting on weekends, even though she’s not a professional artist.”
Pronunciation
[ˈdab·uhl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Try
Sample
Toy with
Play around
Antonyms
Dedicate
Specialize
Focus
Engage fully
Related Words
Dabbling (noun)
Word Origin
The word “dabble” originated in the 16th century, possibly from the Middle Dutch word “dabbelen,” meaning to dip or splash in water. It initially referred to wetting or splashing lightly before evolving to mean engaging in activities in a light or non-serious way.
Word Family
Noun: Dabbler – A person who engages in an activity lightly or irregularly.
Noun: Dabbling – The act of engaging in something without serious commitment.
Verb: Dabble – To take part in an activity casually.
Mnemonics
Remember “dabble” as “dab” with a little extra! Just as a “dab” is a small amount, to “dabble” is to do something in a small or casual way.
Industry-specific Usage
Art and Craft
An individual might dabble in painting, pottery, or sculpture as a hobby without aiming for mastery or professional engagement.
Technology
In technology, dabbling often refers to learning coding or experimenting with software development on a casual basis, without full commitment to the field.
Business
Entrepreneurs may dabble in different business ventures to explore new markets or test business ideas before committing significant resources.
In Context
In everyday life, dabbling allows people to explore new interests without the pressure of full commitment. It’s common for individuals to dabble in activities such as cooking, photography, or gardening. In academia, students might dabble in different subjects to identify their interests. The concept of dabbling highlights an open-minded approach to trying new experiences and discovering potential passions or talents.