Divings

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The act or sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard with acrobatic movements ; the action of plunging headfirst into water for recreation, competition, or exercise ; a sudden descent into water often performed with skill and precision
2. Performing athletic leaps or jumps into water from various heights while demonstrating control and form ; engaging in the activity of entering water by jumping or falling often as a competitive sport ; the motion of immersing oneself quickly into a body of water usually headfirst and with style
3. The process or sport involving controlled jumps into water, often including flips or twists ; the physical activity of entering water by leaping, used for entertainment or competition ; a skillful plunge or fall into water characterized by specific body positions and movements

Etymology: "Divings" is the plural of "diving," the noun for the act of plunging into water, and it is formed from the verb "dive" with the suffix "-ing." Both parts are plain English. The plural form, used when several separate plunges or occasions are meant, follows the ordinary rule for nouns of this kind. The verb "dive" itself has a notable quirk: in modern standard English, "dove" is the common past tense, though "dived" is also accepted, especially in British usage. The "-ing" ending simply turns the verb into a noun for the activity, the same way "swimming" or "jumping" works.

Synonyms: plunges, dives, submersions

Antonyms: emergings, ascents, surfacing