How Do You Spell DABBLE?

Pronunciation: [dˈabə͡l] (IPA)

The word "dabble" (/ˈdæbəl/) is spelled with two syllables. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ like the "a" in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /əl/ like the "u" in "cup". The spelling of this word is consistent with English language phonetics, where each vowel sound is represented by a specific combination of letters. "Dabble" means to take part in something without serious intent or commitment, especially as a hobby.

DABBLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Dabble is a transitive and intransitive verb that refers to the act of engaging in an activity or pursuing a particular interest casually or superficially. It often implies a lack of deep expertise or commitment to the task or subject at hand.

    When used as a transitive verb, "to dabble" means to touch or immerse oneself briefly or intermittently in a particular activity. For example, one might say, "He dabbles in painting on weekends," suggesting that the individual spends limited time or effort on the artistic pursuit.

    As an intransitive verb, "to dabble" means to take part in an activity without fully dedicating oneself to it. For instance, one could say, "She dabbles in various hobbies, but never truly masters any of them," indicating that the person experiments with a range of interests but does not devote substantial time or commitment to becoming proficient.

    In a broader sense, "dabble" can also denote the act of engaging superficially in different fields or areas of knowledge. It implies a lack of deep understanding or expertise and often refers to a person who has a tangential grasp of various subjects without truly specializing in any.

    Overall, dabble conveys the idea of testing the waters or experimenting with an activity or interest, but without investing significant efforts or making a serious commitment.

  2. To play among water, or among mud and water; to throw water and splash it about; to do anything in a slight and superficial manner; to meddle.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DABBLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DABBLE

Etymology of DABBLE

The word "dabble" originated from the Middle Dutch word "dabben", which means "to tap". It is related to the Old High German word "tap(p)ōn" and the German word "tappen", both referring to light touching or striking. In English, "dabble" was initially used to describe the sound made by water when it is lightly splashed or stirred, and it later came to encompass the action of lightly immersing or engaging in an activity.

Idioms with the word DABBLE

  • dabble in sth The idiomatic expression "dabble in sth" refers to engaging in an activity or subject matter in a superficial or casual manner, without dedicating oneself fully to it. It implies experimenting or trying out something without deep commitment or expertise.
  • dabble at sth The idiom "dabble at something" means to engage in an activity or pursue a particular interest without making a serious commitment or investment of time, effort, or skill. It implies a superficial or casual involvement in a particular area, lacking depth or expertise.
  • dabble at (something) To "dabble at (something)" means to engage in an activity or pursue a particular interest sporadically or casually, without fully committing to it or becoming deeply involved. It implies doing something as a hobby or experimenting with it to some extent, but not dedicating a significant amount of time, effort, or expertise to it.
  • dabble in (something) The idiom "dabble in (something)" means to engage or involve oneself in an activity or subject without serious commitment or deep involvement. It implies a superficial or casual interest or experimentation in the particular matter.
  • dabble in The idiom "dabble in" means to engage or involve oneself in a particular activity or endeavor lightly or casually, without making a significant commitment or becoming fully immersed in it. It conveys the idea of experimenting or dabbling with something without a serious intent or in-depth involvement.

Similar spelling words for DABBLE

Conjugate verb Dabble

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have dabbled
you would have dabbled
he/she/it would have dabbled
we would have dabbled
they would have dabbled
I would have dabble
you would have dabble
he/she/it would have dabble
we would have dabble
they would have dabble

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been dabbling
you would have been dabbling
he/she/it would have been dabbling
we would have been dabbling
they would have been dabbling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would dabble
you would dabble
he/she/it would dabble
we would dabble
they would dabble

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be dabbling
you would be dabbling
he/she/it would be dabbling
we would be dabbling
they would be dabbling

FUTURE

I will dabble
you will dabble
he/she/it will dabble
we will dabble
they will dabble

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be dabbling
you will be dabbling
he/she/it will be dabbling
we will be dabbling
they will be dabbling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have dabbled
you will have dabbled
he/she/it will have dabbled
we will have dabbled
they will have dabbled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been dabbling
you will have been dabbling
he/she/it will have been dabbling
we will have been dabbling
they will have been dabbling

IMPERATIVE

you dabble
we let´s dabble

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to dabble

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was dabbling
you were dabbling
he/she/it was dabbling
we were dabbling
they were dabbling

PAST PARTICIPLE

dabbled

PAST PERFECT

I had dabbled
you had dabbled
he/she/it had dabbled
we had dabbled
they had dabbled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been dabbling
you had been dabbling
he/she/it had been dabbling
we had been dabbling
they had been dabbling

PRESENT

I dabble
you dabble
he/she/it dabbles
we dabble
they dabble

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am dabbling
you are dabbling
he/she/it is dabbling
we are dabbling
they are dabbling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

dabbling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have dabbled
you have dabbled
he/she/it has dabbled
we have dabbled
they have dabbled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been dabbling
you have been dabbling
he/she/it has been dabbling
we have been dabbling
they have been dabbling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it dabble

SIMPLE PAST

I dabbled
you dabbled
he/she/it dabbled
we dabbled
they dabbled

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