dabble
UK: ˈdæb.əl | US: ˈdæb.əl
vi. 1. To splash or play in water lightly with hands or feet.
vi. 2. To engage in an activity superficially or without serious commitment.
vt. 3. To wet or moisten slightly.
dabble = dab<strike lightly> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- dab (from Middle English dabben, meaning "to strike lightly or pat")
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or small-scale action)
Etymology Origin:
The word dabble originated in the late 16th century, combining dab (a light strike or pat) with the suffix -le, which often forms verbs denoting repetitive or diminutive actions (e.g., sparkle, twinkle). Initially describing the playful splashing of water, it later extended metaphorically to describe superficial involvement in activities. The logic mirrors the physical act of lightly touching water—brief, scattered, and non-committal.
The children dabbled their feet in the shallow stream.
She dabbles in painting but never completes a full artwork.
He dabbles his brush in water before mixing colors.
They dabble in stocks without deep financial knowledge.
Raindrops dabbled the surface of the pond.