dove
UK: dʌv | US: doʊv
n. 1. A bird of the pigeon family, often symbolizing peace.
n. 2. (Figurative) A person advocating peace or gentleness.
v. (archaic) Past tense of "dive" (chiefly US dialectal).
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"Dove" traces back to Old English dūfe, from Proto-Germanic dūbǭ, shared with Dutch duif and German Taube. Its root likely imitates the bird's cooing sound (onomatopoeic origin). The symbolic association with peace arises from biblical references (e.g., Noah's Ark). The verb form "dove" emerged in 19th-century American English as an irregular past tense of "dive," possibly influenced by analogous verbs like "drive/drove."
The white dove is a universal symbol of peace.
She released a dove at the wedding ceremony.
(Figurative) As a diplomat, he was known as a dove in negotiations.
(Verb) He dove into the pool without hesitation.
The ancient mural depicted a dove carrying an olive branch.