dive

Dive refers to a rapid descent or plunge through air or water. It may describe a headfirst entry into water from a height or a downward movement into a subject or activity. In general usage, diving implies control and precision to enter a medium with minimal splash, disturbance, or resistance, and can also mean to begin exploring a topic in depth, as in “dive into a subject.”

Recreational diving encompasses several disciplines. Scuba diving uses portable gas cylinders to enable underwater respiration, with training organizations that certify skill levels. Free diving emphasizes breath-hold immersion without breathing apparatus. Technical diving extends limits through gas mixes and specialized equipment. Training covers safety, buoyancy, navigation, decompression procedures, and environmental responsibility.

Competitive diving is a sport in which competitors perform aerial dives from fixed platforms or springboards. Dives are scored by judges based on approach, takeoff, form, and entry into the water. Common events include 1-meter and 3-meter springboards and 10-meter platforms, with variations for synchronized diving. The sport emphasizes precision, control, and artistry rather than endurance.

Informally, “dive” can refer to a place considered seedy or low quality, such as a dive bar. The phrase “to dive” can also mean to descend rapidly in other contexts, or to feign injury in sports, known as diving or simulation. The term appears across literature, film, and music with varying connotations.