Dabble vs. Dip — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
Dabble refers to engaging in an activity in a casual or superficial way, while dip means briefly immersing something in a liquid or engaging in an activity temporarily.
Difference Between Dabble and Dip
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Dabble involves engaging in an activity without serious commitment, often as a hobby or experiment. For instance, someone might dabble in painting by taking occasional art classes. On the other hand, dip means immersing something briefly in a liquid or engaging in something for a short duration, such as dipping a toe in water to check its temperature.
Dabbling typically suggests a lack of depth and expertise in the activity, reflecting a casual or exploratory approach. For example, a person might dabble in cooking by trying out a few recipes without becoming proficient. Conversely, dipping implies a quick or temporary involvement, like dipping a cookie in milk, indicating a short-term action rather than an ongoing interest.
When dabbling, there's often an intention to explore or enjoy without a serious aim, such as dabbling in photography for fun. In contrast, dipping often serves a specific, immediate purpose, like dipping vegetables in a sauce to enhance flavor.
People who dabble may do so to diversify their interests or find a new hobby, reflecting a broader curiosity. Whereas, dipping is usually a singular action with a clear endpoint, such as dipping a brush in paint for a specific stroke.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Engage in casually or superficially
Briefly immerse or engage temporarily
ADVERTISEMENT
Commitment Level
Low, exploratory
Very brief, specific
Duration
Longer-term, intermittent
Short-term, momentary
Common Usage
Hobbies, interests
Liquid immersion, brief activities
Intent
To explore or enjoy
To achieve an immediate purpose
Compare with Definitions
Dabble
To try out different activities without deep commitment.
They dabble in various sports.
Dip
To immerse briefly in a liquid.
She dipped the strawberries in chocolate.
Dabble
To work or involve oneself in a casual way.
He dabbles in writing short stories.
Dip
To lower something into a substance briefly.
He dipped his brush into the paint.
Dabble
To take part in a pastime sporadically.
I dabble in playing the piano.
Dip
To engage in an activity momentarily.
He dipped into the conversation for a moment.
Dabble
To involve oneself without serious intent.
She dabbled in politics during college.
Dip
To decrease or drop briefly.
The temperatures dipped last night.
Dabble
Dabble is an anagram word game designed by George Weiss, who was 84 years old at the time, and published by INI, LLC in 2011.An app version was Kotaku's gaming app of the day in 2012.
Dip
To plunge briefly into a liquid, as in order to wet, coat, or saturate.
Dabble
To splash or dip repeatedly in a liquid
The children dabbled their feet in the pool.
Dip
To color or dye by immersing
Dip Easter eggs.
Dabble
(Archaic) To splash or spatter with drops of a liquid
“Then came wand'ring by / A shadow like an angel, with bright hair / Dabbled in blood” (William Shakespeare).
Dip
To immerse (a sheep or other animal) in a disinfectant solution.
Dabble
To splash liquid gently and playfully.
Dip
To form (a candle) by repeatedly immersing a wick in melted wax or tallow.
Dabble
To undertake something superficially or without serious intent
“The restaurant business entails more than … dabbling in interior design” (Andy Birsh).
Dip
To galvanize or plate (metal) by immersion.
Dabble
To feed by moving the bill back and forth just below the surface or on the bottom in shallow water. Used of ducks.
Dip
To scoop up by plunging the hand or a receptacle below the surface, as of a liquid; ladle
Dip water out of a bucket.
Dabble
(transitive) To make slightly wet or soiled by spattering or sprinkling a liquid (such as water, mud, or paint) on it; to bedabble.
Dip
To lower and raise (a flag) in salute.
Dabble
(transitive) To cause splashing by moving a body part like a bill or limb in soft mud, water, etc., often playfully; to play in shallow water; to paddle.
The children sat on the dock and dabbled their feet in the water.
Dip
To lower or drop (something) suddenly
Dipped my head to avoid the branch.
Dabble
To feed without diving, by submerging the head and neck underwater to seek food, often also tipping up the tail straight upwards above the water.
Dip
(Slang) To pick the pockets of.
Dabble
To participate or have an interest in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
She’s an actress by trade, but has been known to dabble in poetry.
Dip
To plunge into water or other liquid and come out quickly.
Dabble
To interfere or meddle in; to tamper with.
Dip
To plunge the hand or a receptacle into liquid or a container, especially so as to take something up or out
I dipped into my pocket for some coins.
Dabble
A spattering or sprinkling of a liquid.
Dip
To withdraw a small amount from a fund
We dipped into our savings.
Dabble
An act of splashing in soft mud, water, etc.
Dip
To drop down or sink out of sight suddenly
The sun dipped below the horizon.
Dabble
An act of participation in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
Dip
To drop suddenly before climbing. Used of an aircraft.
Dabble
To wet by little dips or strokes; to spatter; to sprinkle; to moisten; to wet.
Dip
To slope downward; decline
The road dipped.
Dabble
To play in water, as with the hands; to paddle or splash in mud or water.
Where the duck dabbles 'mid the rustling sedge.
Dip
To decline slightly and usually temporarily
Sales dipped after Christmas.
Dabble
To work in slight or superficial manner; to do in a small way; to tamper; to meddle.
During the first year at Dumfries, Burns for the first time began to dabble in politics.
Dip
(Geology) To lie at an angle to the horizontal plane, as a rock stratum or vein.
Dabble
Dip a foot or hand briefly into a liquid
Dip
To read here and there at random; browse
Dipping into Chaucer.
Dabble
Play in or as if in water, as of small children
Dip
To investigate a subject superficially; dabble
Dipped into psychology.
Dabble
Work with in a non-serious manner;
She dabbles in astronomy
He plays around with investments bu he never makes any money
Dip
(Slang) To steal by picking pockets.
Dabble
To engage in an activity superficially.
She likes to dabble in gardening on weekends.
Dip
To place a preparation of finely shredded tobacco in one's mouth.
Dip
A brief plunge or immersion, especially a quick swim.
Dip
A liquid into which something is dipped, as for dyeing or disinfecting.
Dip
A savory creamy mixture into which crackers, raw vegetables, or other foods may be dipped.
Dip
An amount taken up by dipping.
Dip
A container for dipping.
Dip
A candle made by repeated dipping in tallow or wax.
Dip
A downward slope; a decline.
Dip
A sharp downward course; a drop
A dip in prices.
Dip
(Geology) The downward inclination of a rock stratum or vein in reference to the plane of the horizon.
Dip
(Linguistics) A part of a phrase or sentence that is unstressed or less strongly stressed relative to surrounding words, as the words I and to in I have to go.
Dip
The unstressed portion of a metrical foot.
Dip
Magnetic dip.
Dip
A hollow or depression.
Dip
(Sports) A gymnastic exercise on the parallel bars in which the body is lowered by bending the elbows until the chin reaches the level of the bars and then is raised by straightening the arms.
Dip
(Slang) A pickpocket.
Dip
(Slang) A foolish or stupid person.
Dip
A preparation of finely shredded tobacco, usually placed between the lower lip and gum. Also called snuff.
Dip
A lower section of a road or geological feature.
There is a dip in the road ahead.
Dip
Inclination downward; direction below a horizontal line; slope; pitch.
Dip
The action of dipping or plunging for a moment into a liquid.
Dip
A tank or trough where cattle or sheep are immersed in chemicals to kill parasites.
Dip
A dip stick.
Dip
A swim, usually a short swim to refresh.
I’m going for a dip before breakfast.
Dip
A pickpocket.
Dip
A sauce for dipping.
This onion dip is just scrumptious.
Dip
(geology) The angle from horizontal of a planar geologic surface, such as a fault line.
Dip
(archaic) A dipped candle.
Dip
(dance) A move in many different styles of partner dances, often performed at the end of a dance, in which the follower leans far to the side and is supported by the leader.
Dip
(bodybuilding) A gymnastic or bodybuilding exercise on parallel bars in which the performer, resting on his hands, lets his arms bend and his body sink until his chin is level with the bars, and then raises himself by straightening his arms.
Dip
(turpentine industry) The viscid exudation that is dipped out from incisions in the trees. Virgin dip is the runnings of the first year, yellow dip the runnings of subsequent years.
Dip
(aeronautics) A sudden drop followed by a climb, usually to avoid obstacles or as the result of getting into an airhole.
Dip
(uncountable) The moist form of snuff tobacco.
Dip
The act of missing out on seeing a sought after bird.
Dip
Fried bread.
Dip
A financial asset in decline, seen as an investment opportunity.
Buy the dips
Dip
(informal) A foolish person.
Dip
(informal) A diplomat.
Dip
(transitive) To lower into a liquid.
Dip your biscuit into your tea.
Dip
(intransitive) To immerse oneself; to become plunged in a liquid; to sink.
Dip
(intransitive) (of a value or rate) To decrease slightly.
Dip
(transitive) To lower a light's beam.
Dip your lights as you meet an oncoming car.
Dip
(transitive) To lower (a flag), particularly a national ensign, to a partially hoisted position in order to render or to return a salute. While lowered, the flag is said to be “at the dip.” A flag being carried on a staff may be dipped by leaning it forward at an approximate angle of 45 degrees.
The sailor rushed to the flag hoist to dip the flag in return.
Dip
(transitive) To treat cattle or sheep by immersion in chemical solution.
The farmer is going to dip the cattle today.
Dip
(transitive) To use a dip stick to check oil level in an engine.
Dip
To consume snuff by placing a pinch behind the lip or under the tongue so that the active chemical constituents of the snuff may be absorbed into the system for their narcotic effect.
Dip
(transitive) To immerse for baptism.
Dip
(transitive) To wet, as if by immersing; to moisten.
Dip
(intransitive) To plunge or engage thoroughly in any affair.
Dip
(transitive) To take out, by dipping a dipper, ladle, or other receptacle, into a fluid and removing a part; often with out.
To dip water from a boiler; to dip out water
Dip
(intransitive) To perform the action of plunging a dipper, ladle. etc. into a liquid or soft substance and removing a part.
Dip
(transitive) To engage as a pledge; to mortgage.
Dip
(transitive) To perform (a bow or curtsey) by inclining the body.
Dip
(intransitive) To incline downward from the plane of the horizon.
Strata of rock dip.
Dip
To perform a dip dance move (often phrased with the leader as the subject noun and the follower as the subject noun being dipped)
Dip
To lower the body by bending the knees while keeping the body in an upright position, as in movement to the rhythm of music.
Dip
To leave.
He dipped out of the room so fast.
Dip
To miss out on seeing a sought after bird.
Dip
To plunge or immerse; especially, to put for a moment into a liquid; to insert into a fluid and withdraw again.
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood.
[Wat'ry fowl] now dip their pinions in the briny deep.
While the prime swallow dips his wing.
Dip
To immerse for baptism; to baptize by immersion.
Dip
To wet, as if by immersing; to moisten.
A cold shuddering dewDips me all o'er.
Dip
To plunge or engage thoroughly in any affair.
He was . . . dipt in the rebellion of the Commons.
Dip
To take out, by dipping a dipper, ladle, or other receptacle, into a fluid and removing a part; - often with out; as, to dip water from a boiler; to dip out water.
Dip
To engage as a pledge; to mortgage.
Live on the use and never dip thy lands.
Dip
To immerse one's self; to become plunged in a liquid; to sink.
The sun's rim dips; the stars rush out.
Dip
To perform the action of plunging some receptacle, as a dipper, ladle. etc.; into a liquid or a soft substance and removing a part.
Whoever dips too deep will find death in the pot.
Dip
To pierce; to penetrate; - followed by in or into.
When I dipt into the future.
Dip
To enter slightly or cursorily; to engage one's self desultorily or by the way; to partake limitedly; - followed by in or into.
Dip
To incline downward from the plane of the horizon; as, strata of rock dip.
Dip
To dip snuff.
Dip
The action of dipping or plunging for a moment into a liquid.
Dip
Inclination downward; direction below a horizontal line; slope; pitch.
Dip
A hollow or depression in a surface, especially in the ground.
Dip
A liquid, as a sauce or gravy, served at table with a ladle or spoon.
Dip
A dipped candle.
Dip
A gymnastic exercise on the parallel bars in which the performer, resting on his hands, lets his arms bend and his body sink until his chin is level with the bars, and then raises himself by straightening his arms.
Dip
In the turpentine industry, the viscid exudation, which is dipped out from incisions in the trees; as, virgin dip (the runnings of the first year), yellow dip (the runnings of subsequent years).
Dip
A sudden drop followed by a climb, usually to avoid obstacles or as the result of getting into an airhole.
Dip
A liquid, in which objects are soaked by dipping; e.g., a parasiticide or insecticide solution into which animals are dipped (see sheep-dip).
Dip
A sauce into which foods are dipped to enhance the flavor; e. g., an onion dip made from sour cream and dried onions, into which potato chips are dipped.
Dip
A pickpocket.
Dip
A depression in an otherwise level surface;
There was a dip in the road
Dip
(physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon
Dip
A thief who steals from the pockets or purses of others in public places
Dip
Tasty mixture or liquid into which bite-sized foods are dipped
Dip
A brief immersion
Dip
A sudden sharp decrease in some quantity;
A drop of 57 points on the Dow Jones index
There was a drop in pressure in the pulmonary artery
A dip in prices
When that became known the price of their stock went into free fall
Dip
A candle that is made by repeated dipping in a pool of wax or tallow
Dip
A brief swim in water
Dip
A gymnastic exercise on the parallel bars in which the body is lowered and raised by bending and straightening the arms
Dip
Immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate;
Dip the garment into the cleaning solution
Dip the brush into the paint
Dip
Dip into a liquid while eating;
She dunked the piece of bread in the sauce
Dip
Go down momentarily;
Prices dipped
Dip
Stain an object by immersing it in a liquid
Dip
Switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
Dip
Lower briefly;
She dipped her knee
Dip
Appear to move downward;
The sun dipped below the horizon
The setting sun sank below the tree line
Dip
Slope downwards;
Our property dips towards the river
Dip
Dip into a liquid;
He dipped into the pool
Dip
Of candles; by dipping the wick into hot, liquid wax
Dip
Immerse in a disinfectant solution;
Dip the sheep
Dip
Scoop up by plunging one's hand or a ladle below the surface;
Dip water out of a container
Dip
To sample or engage in something briefly.
She dipped into her savings for the vacation.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to dabble in something?
To engage in an activity casually or without serious commitment.
Can dabble be used for professional activities?
Yes, but it usually implies a lack of deep commitment or expertise.
Is dabbling always a long-term activity?
Not necessarily; it can be intermittent and ongoing without a set duration.
What does it mean to dip in a context other than liquid?
To briefly engage or take part in something.
Can dabbling lead to a deeper involvement eventually?
Potentially, but it starts as casual engagement.
Is dipping always brief?
Yes, dipping implies a short-term or momentary action.
Can dabbling be a lifelong habit?
Yes, some people dabble in various interests throughout their lives.
What does "dabble in art" mean?
To explore or try out artistic activities without serious intent.
Can you dabble in multiple activities simultaneously?
Yes, dabbling often involves exploring various activities.
Does dipping require any preparation?
Not usually, it’s often a spontaneous or immediate action.
Can you dip in activities other than liquids?
Yes, you can dip into conversations, interests, etc.
What is a common phrase using dip?
"Dip your toe in the water" means to try something cautiously.
Is dabbling considered serious involvement?
No, it’s typically a superficial or experimental approach.
Is dipping often repeated?
It can be, especially in habitual contexts like dipping food.
Is dipping always related to physical actions?
Mostly, but it can also refer to brief participation in non-physical contexts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Steganography vs. Cryptography
Next Comparison
Ability vs. PowerAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
