dabbling
/ˈdæblɪŋ/
VERB
1. Making something slightly wet or soiled
Causing something to become slightly wet or dirty by splashing or sprinkling a liquid or another substance onto it.
1.1. Spattering or sprinkling a surface
Applying small amounts of liquid, mud, or paint onto a surface, making it slightly wet or soiled.
Synonyms
- spattering
- sprinkling
- bespattering
- splattering
- bedabbling
Examples
- The artist was dabbling the canvas with small drops of watercolor.
- Rain was dabbling the garden path with tiny droplets.
Related Words
- moistening
- dampening
- spraying
- smearing
- splashing
VERB
2. Playing or splashing in shallow water
Moving a body part, such as a bird's bill or a person's hand or foot, in shallow water or soft mud, often producing playful splashes.
2.1. Paddling and splashing in water
Moving about playfully in shallow water, producing small splashes with the hands, feet, or body.
Synonyms
- paddling
- splashing
- paddling about
- splashing about
Examples
- The ducks were dabbling in the pond near the riverbank.
- The children spent the afternoon dabbling in the shallow stream.
Related Words
VERB
3. Participating casually or superficially in an activity
Taking 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
Trying different activities, subjects, or skills out of curiosity or enjoyment without making a serious commitment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- specializing
- concentrating
- dedicating
- devoting
Examples
- She was dabbling in photography while studying graphic design.
- He spent several years dabbling in different musical styles before choosing one to pursue seriously.
- The researcher enjoyed dabbling in various scientific disciplines.
Related Words
VERB
4. Interfering or meddling in something
Becoming involved in another person's affairs or tampering with something, often without sufficient knowledge, authority, or understanding.
4.1. Interfering in other people's affairs
Becoming unnecessarily involved in matters that are not one's responsibility or concern.
Synonyms
- meddling
- interfering
- intruding
- prying
- butting in
Antonyms
- refraining
- abstaining
- keeping out
Examples
- He was criticized for dabbling in other people's personal affairs.
- The manager discouraged employees from dabbling in matters outside their responsibilities.
Related Words
- intervening
- intrusion
- interference
- involvement
- meddler
4.2. Tampering with or casually altering something
Making changes to something without fully understanding how it works or what consequences those changes may have.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- preserving
- maintaining
- protecting
Examples
- The technician warned against dabbling with the electrical controls.
- He was dabbling with the software settings without understanding their effects.
Related Words
- modifying
- altering
- adjusting
- manipulating
- experimenting
NOUN
5. The act of casual or superficial participation
An instance of taking a limited or occasional interest in an activity, subject, or field without pursuing it seriously.
5.1. Casual exploration of an interest
An occasional attempt or limited involvement in a hobby, subject, or activity undertaken mainly out of curiosity or enjoyment.
Synonyms
- experimentation
- exploration
- trial
- foray
- excursion
Examples
- Her dabbling in photography eventually developed into a serious interest.
- His dabbling in several musical instruments was driven by curiosity rather than professional ambition.
Related Words
- hobby
- amateurism
- pastime
- recreation
- curiosity
- avocation