dabble

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dabble" is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone does an activity without committing to it fully. For example, "He was only a casual collector, preferring to dabble in antiques rather than to make it a serious pursuit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MY LITTLE MONSTER iOS - FREE Not many children have a 3D printer to hand at home, but My Little Monster lets them dabble with the new technology from afar.

The Guardian - Tech

If you're feeling very adventurous, you can dabble with Tor, a network of virtual tunnels that allows individuals to surf the web and communicate anonymously.

The Guardian - Tech

The "synergy" that these groups invoked at their birth was supposed to make two plus two equal five; more often than not, it made them equal three.Much of manufacturing industry came to regret its dabble with diversification.

The Economist

Americans, by and large, don't mind if politicians dabble in the Royal and Ancient game.

The Economist

They dabble in conspiracy theories and talk of the collapse of civilisation and the need for investors to sell all paper assets, buy gold and retreat to Idaho.

The Economist

The majority will simply dabble in social media.

The Economist

The search company will be able to dabble with experiments in television advertising, which it knows much less about than it does about the online variety.

The Economist

RelayRides renters are vetted but following an accident in Boston earlier this year when one was killed, insurers have been murmuring more loudly about cancelling or not renewing the policies of car owners who dabble in peer-to-peer car-sharing.

The Economist

Even more vulnerable are stand-alone hedge funds that borrow heavily to dabble in debt.

The Economist

Even brands that dabble in it doubt that any website can match the experience of shopping in a boutique.

The Economist

THERE has to be a better way of dealing with those who dabble in weapons of mass destruction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dabble", ensure the context clearly indicates the activity is being done casually and without deep commitment. This helps avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid implying expertise when describing someone who "dabbles" in a field. "Dabbling" suggests a superficial engagement, not mastery.

Linguistic Context

The word "dabble" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, often used to describe engaging in an activity in a casual or superficial manner. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

22%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "dabble" is a versatile verb used to describe casual or superficial engagement in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. When using "dabble", it's important to ensure the context aligns with its meaning of non-serious involvement. Remember, dabbling is about exploration, not expertise. By understanding these nuances, you can use "dabble" effectively and avoid common pitfalls. The provided examples and alternatives further clarify its usage, making it easier to integrate into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toy with

Indicates a light and non-serious engagement with something.

flirt with

Suggests a brief or unserious involvement.

dip into

Implies trying something briefly or superficially.

scratch the surface

Signifies dealing with only the most obvious aspects.

experiment with

Denotes trying out something new in a tentative way.

have a go at

Means attempting something, often without serious intent.

meddle in

Indicates interfering in something without full commitment.

tinker with

Suggests making small, often experimental changes.

fiddle around with

Means handling or adjusting something aimlessly.

be a dilettante

Refers to someone who dabbles in various arts or subjects without serious study.

FAQs

How can I use "dabble" in a sentence?

You can use "dabble" to describe someone who participates in an activity without serious intent, such as "She likes to "dabble in photography" as a hobby".

What's a good alternative to the word "dabble"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "toy with", "experiment with", or "flirt with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone "dabbles" in a profession?

Yes, it's correct to say someone "dabbles" in a profession, but it implies they do it casually or part-time, not as their main career. For example, "He's an engineer, but he also "dabbles in real estate"".

What's the difference between "dabbling" and being "proficient" in something?

"Dabbling" implies a superficial or casual involvement, while being "proficient" suggests a high level of skill and expertise. Someone who "dabbles" may have a basic understanding, while someone who is "proficient" has mastered the skill.