dig in English
- dig⇄dig, verb, dugor (Archaic)digged,digging,noun.
- dig⇄expr. dig in, (Informal.)
a. to dig trenches for protection.
Ex. ... evidence of Syrian military units digging in on the frontier (London Times).
b. to work or study hard.
Ex. The scholar dug in as the subject became more and mo - dig⇄expr. dig into, (Informal.)
a. to work hard at.
Ex. He seemed to dig into his subject (The Examiner).
b. to give up from; hand over, especially upon a second demand.
Ex. So long as the need for education facilities and for munic - dig⇄expr. dig up (or out),
a. to unearth.
Ex. to dig up potatoes.
b. to excavate.
Ex. The contractor's men began to dig up the lot next door for a basement.
c. (Figurative.) to find out; discover; obtain as if by digging. < - dig⇄expr. digs, (Especially British Informal.) a place to live; diggings.
Ex. Jim also, unquestionably, lives in the smartest of digs (New Yorker). - dig⇄noun 1. a thrust or poke.
Ex. The boy gave his friend a playful dig in the ribs.
2. (Figurative.) a sarcastic remark.
Ex. The candidate made a dig at his opponent.
3. (Informal.) an archaeological excavation.
Ex. I don't t - dig⇄v.i. 1. to use a machine, shovel, spade, hands, claws, or snout to make a hole or to turn over the ground.
Ex. Dogs bury bones and dig for them later.
(SYN) delve, spade, grub.
2. to make a way by digging.
Ex. to dig through a h - dig⇄v.t. 1. to break up and turn over (ground) with a spade, or other tool or machinery.
2. to make by digging and removing material.
Ex. to dig a well. The workmen dug a cellar. Under the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie (Robert
dig in Sindhi سنڌي
Dig
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Pronunciation
IPA: /dɪɡ/
Definitions
- (Verb) To break up and move earth or other material using a tool, hands, or machinery.
- (Verb) To search for information or uncover facts.
- (Verb) Informal: To like or appreciate something.
- (Noun) A sarcastic or critical remark.
- (Noun) An archaeological site where excavation is taking place.
Usage Examples
- "He used a shovel to dig a hole in the garden."
- "She loves to dig into history books to find rare facts."
- "I really dig that new song on the radio."
- "He made a clever dig at his rival during the debate."
- "The archaeologists are working at an ancient dig site in Egypt."
Etymology
Derived from Old English "dīcian," meaning to dig a ditch, and related to Middle English "diggen," evolving into its modern usage over centuries.
Synonyms
excavate, burrow, delve, unearth, discover
Antonyms
fill, cover, bury, ignore
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | creuser | /kʁø.ze/ |
| Spanish | cavar | /kaˈβar/ |
| German | graben | /ˈɡʁaːbən/ |
| Hindi | खोदना | /khodnā/ |
| Chinese | 挖掘 | /wā jué/ |
| Russian | копать | /kɐˈpatʲ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English, "dig" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while in some British dialects, the vowel sound may be slightly elongated or influenced by regional accents.
Historical Usage
The word "dig" has been used in English since the 14th century in reference to earth-moving. It later expanded metaphorically to mean searching for information and making witty remarks.
Cultural Nuances
In informal American slang, "dig" can mean to appreciate or understand something, such as "I dig your style." In British culture, a "dig" often refers to a sarcastic remark or a rented living space ("digs").
More Information
The verb "dig" is widely used across various fields, from construction and archaeology to colloquial speech and music. In archaeology, "dig" refers to sites of excavation, uncovering history layer by layer. The slang usage gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in jazz and counterculture movements. Today, "dig" continues to be versatile in its application, bridging literal, metaphorical, and cultural meanings.