Definition

Phrasal Verb: - To read selectively; to read only certain parts or passages of a text, rather than reading it completely or in sequence.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the action of briefly and selectively engaging with a book, article, or other written material. It implies a casual or non-committal approach to reading, often for pleasure, reference, or a quick overview. It is transitive and requires an object (the text being read).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily used for reading, "dip into" can be extended metaphorically to other resources or activities where one samples or uses a small part.
  • We had to dip into our savings to pay for the emergency repair. (This is a different, idiomatic meaning related to using resources.)
  • He dipped into various musical genres while composing the soundtrack. (This implies sampling or briefly exploring.)

Variants and Related Words

• Browse (verb): To look through or glance at something casually, especially a book or items for sale. "Browse" is a close synonym but can be more visual and less focused on actual reading.
• Skim (verb): To read quickly to get the main ideas. "Skim" suggests a faster, more superficial pass than "dip into," which implies choosing specific sections.
• Peruse (verb): Often used to mean read thoroughly, but in modern casual use, it can paradoxically mean to look over casually. "Dip into" is less formal than "peruse."

Synonyms

• Sample (verb): To try a small part of something.
• Glance through (phrasal verb): To look at briefly.
• Flick through (phrasal verb): To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Look up: To search for and find a specific piece of information in a reference book.
  • I need to look up the definition of this word.
• Leaf through: To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly without reading carefully.
  • He leafed through the magazine in the waiting room.

Related Idioms

• A dip: (Noun) A brief, casual swim. This shares the core idea of a brief, partial involvement, similar to "dip into" a book.
  • Let's go for a dip in the pool.
• Dabble in: To take a slight or casual interest in an activity.
  • She dabbled in painting during the summer. This is conceptually similar to "dipping into" a subject area.

Verb

1. read selectively; read only certain passages from a text