Definition

1. Noun:

   • A steep, rapid descent, especially headfirst: A controlled or sudden plunge downward, often into water or through the air.
   • A disreputable or cheap bar or nightclub: A colloquial term for an establishment, often in a basement, considered to be of low quality or frequented by a rough crowd.

2. Verb:

   • To plunge headfirst into water: To jump into water, especially with one's hands or head going in first.
   • To swim underwater: To submerge and move beneath the surface of the water, often using special equipment.
   • To descend steeply and rapidly: To drop or fall quickly, often at a sharp angle.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The pilot executed a perfect dive to avoid the enemy aircraft.
  • We decided not to go into that dive on the corner; it looked unsafe.

• Verb:

  • She will dive from the highest platform at the Olympics.
  • We learned to dive with scuba gear in the clear blue sea.
  • The eagle began to dive toward its prey on the ground.

Advanced Usage

• "To take a dive" (idiomatic): To deliberately lose a fight or competition; to pretend to fail.

  • The boxer was accused of taking a dive in the third round.

• "Dive right in" (idiomatic): To start something eagerly and without hesitation.

  • Don't be nervous about the new project; just dive right in.

Variants and Related Words

• Diver (n): A person who dives, especially as a sport or profession.

  • The diver explored the coral reef.

• Diving (n/adj): The activity or sport of swimming or exploring underwater, or related to a dive.

  • Diving is a popular Olympic sport.

Synonyms

• Plunge: To jump or move suddenly and with force into something.
• Submerge: To go below the surface of water.
• Nosedive: A steep, sudden drop or fall (often for aircraft or prices).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dive into: To start doing something with great energy or enthusiasm; to plunge into.

  • He dove into his studies as soon as he got home.

• Dive for: To plunge or reach quickly for something.

  • The goalkeeper dove for the ball but missed it.

Related Idioms

• Make a dive for: To suddenly and quickly move to grab or reach something.

  • When the bell rang, the children made a dive for the door.

• Dive in headfirst: To begin an activity with complete enthusiasm and without careful planning.

  • She dove in headfirst and started her own business.

Noun

1. a steep nose-down descent by an aircraft
2. a headlong plunge into water
3. a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall

Verb

1. swim under water
   • the children enjoyed diving and looking for shells
2. plunge into water
   • I was afraid to dive from the board into the pool
3. drop steeply
   • the stock market plunged