dabbles
/ˈdæbəlz/
VERB
1. To make something slightly wet or soiled
To cause something to become slightly wet or dirty by splashing or sprinkling a liquid or other substance onto it.
1.1. Spattering or sprinkling a surface
To splash or sprinkle small amounts of liquid, mud, or paint onto something, making it slightly wet or soiled.
Synonyms
- bespatters
- spatters
- splashes
- sprinkles
- bedabbles
Examples
- The rain dabbles the garden path with tiny droplets.
- The children dabble their clothes with muddy water while playing outside.
Related Words
- moistens
- dampens
- sprays
- smears
- splatters
VERB
2. To play or splash in shallow water
To move a body part, such as a hand, foot, or bird's bill, in shallow water or soft mud, often producing playful splashes.
2.1. Playing or splashing in shallow water
To move about playfully in shallow water, making small splashes with the hands, feet, or body.
Synonyms
- paddles
- splashes
- paddles about
- splashes about
Examples
- The ducks dabble in the pond near the riverbank.
- The children dabble in the shallow stream during summer.
Related Words
VERB
3. To participate casually or superficially in an activity
To take an occasional or limited interest in an activity, subject, or field without becoming deeply involved or pursuing it seriously.
3.1. Exploring hobbies or subjects casually
To try different activities or subjects out of curiosity or enjoyment without making a serious commitment.
Synonyms
- experiments
- toys with
- trifles with
- plays around with
- fiddles with
- dallies with
Antonyms
- specializes
- devotes oneself
- dedicates oneself
Examples
- She dabbles in photography as a hobby.
- He dabbles in several musical instruments but has not mastered any of them.
- The scientist dabbles in different research areas before choosing a specialization.
Related Words
VERB
4. To interfere or meddle in something
To involve oneself in another person's affairs or tamper with something, often without sufficient knowledge, authority, or understanding.
4.1. Interfering in other people's affairs
To become unnecessarily involved in matters that are not one's responsibility or concern.
Synonyms
- meddles
- interferes
- intrudes
- butts in
- pries
Antonyms
- refrains
- abstains
- keeps out
Examples
- He dabbles in other people's personal affairs despite repeated warnings.
- The manager dislikes employees who dabble in matters outside their responsibilities.
Related Words
- intervenes
- intrudes upon
- interference
- meddling
- involvement
4.2. Tampering with or casually altering something
To make unauthorized or careless changes to something without fully understanding its operation or consequences.
Synonyms
- tampers
- tinkers
- fiddles with
- monkeys with
- toys with
Antonyms
- preserves
- maintains
- leaves untouched
Examples
- The technician warned him not to dabble with the electrical controls.
- He dabbles with the software settings without understanding their effects.
Related Words
- modifies
- alters
- adjusts
- manipulates
- experiments