dive

To jump into water with your head and arms going in first.

• Watch me dive!
• She dived into the lake.
• Never dive into shallow water.

How to use it: dive into something (She dived into the pool.); dive off something (He dived off the low board.)

Similar words: plunge

Common phrases: dive into water, dive off something, dive in

To swim or move below the surface of water, sometimes using equipment to breathe.

• We learned to dive last summer.
• She dived beneath the boat.
• Have you ever dived near a coral reef?

How to use it: dive for something (They dive for pearls near the island.)

Similar words: swim underwater, submerge

Opposites: surface

Common phrases: dive underwater, dive for something, dive near reefs

To start doing something eagerly and with great energy.

• Let's dive into the work.
• She dived straight into planning the party.
• He likes to dive into new projects.

How to use it: dive into something (We dived into the project immediately.)

Similar words: plunge into, throw oneself into

Common phrases: dive into something, dive straight in, dive into work

To throw yourself forward with your head first, toward the ground or into something.

• The goalkeeper dived to his left.
• He dived onto the grass to catch the ball.
• She dived into the soft snow.

How to use it: dive for something (The goalkeeper dived for the ball.); dive into something (The dog dived into the snow.)

Similar words: lunge, leap

Common phrases: dive for something, dive into snow, dive to catch

A jump into water, usually with the head going in first.

• That was a beautiful dive.
• Her dive made almost no splash.
• He practised three dives before the competition.

How to use it: a dive into something (A dive into the pool cooled him down.)

Similar words: plunge

Common phrases: take a dive, perfect dive, dive into water