to engage in an activity in a casual or superficial way
example
She likes to dabble in painting during her free time, even though she has no formal training.
synonyms
tinkertriflefiddle
word origin — The word 'dabble' originates from the Middle English 'dabelen', which is of uncertain origin, possibly influenced by the verb 'dab' meaning to move or splash in water.
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 214
Set 214 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: dabble, topple, instill, dissipate, despise. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
dabble · verb/ˈdæb.əl/
to engage in an activity in a casual or superficial way
She likes to dabble in painting during her free time, even though she has no formal training.
Synonyms: tinker, trifle, fiddle
Origin: The word 'dabble' originates from the Middle English 'dabelen', which is of uncertain origin, possibly influenced by the verb 'dab' meaning to move or splash in water.
topple · verb/ˈtɑː.pəl/
to fall or overturn due to an unbalanced position
The strong wind caused the old tree to topple over, leaving a huge mess in the yard.
Synonyms: overturn, topple over, knock over
Origin: The word 'topple' originates from the early 16th century, likely from the word 'top' meaning the highest point, with the suffix '-le' suggesting the action of becoming unbalanced or falling.
instill · verb/ɪnˈstɪl/
to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind
Parents should strive to instill a sense of responsibility in their children from a young age.
Synonyms: inspire, infuse, implant
Origin: From Latin 'instillare', meaning 'to drop in' or 'to trickle in', from 'in-' (into) + 'stillare' (to drip).
dissipate · verb/ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/
to scatter or disperse widely
As the sunlight began to break through the clouds, the morning mist started to dissipate into the air.
Synonyms: disperse, scatter, diffuse
Origin: Originates from the Latin 'dissipare', meaning 'to scatter, to disperse', from 'dis-' (apart) + 'sparsus' (scattered).
despise · verb/dɪˈspaɪz/
to regard with contempt or scorn
She grew to despise the way he treated his employees, finding it utterly unacceptable.
Synonyms: disdain, scorn, despise
Origin: from Old French 'despiser', from Latin 'despicere' meaning 'to look down on'