dive
UK[daɪv]US[daɪv]
v
to jump head first into water
v
to swim underwater using special breathing equipment
v
(of a bird or aircraft) to go steeply downwards through the air
n
an act of diving into water
n
a steep descent by an aircraft or bird
Etymology
the modern english word 'dive' descends from the old english verbs 'dȳfan' and 'dūfan', which carried the core senses of plunging into a liquid. these, in turn, trace back to the proto-germanic root 'dūbijaną', meaning 'to dip' or 'to immerse'. the semantic core of a sudden, plunging motion has remained remarkably consistent from its germanic origins through to its current usage. while its application has broadened metaphorically to describe any rapid downward movement, such as that of an aircraft or in sports, the fundamental logic of a headfirst or steep descent connects directly to its ancient roots.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old english verb 'dȳfan' (to dip, immerse) and 'dūfan' (to sink), which are of proto-germanic origin.
Examples
she learned to dive off the high board at the local pool.
the submarine can dive to incredible depths.
the stock market took a sudden dive after the news was announced.