bobbing
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈbɒbɪŋ/
KK: /ˈbɑbɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The action of moving up and down in a quick or light way.
Example
The bobbing of the boat made it hard to keep my balance.
Conversation
Did you see the boats bobbing on the water today?
Yeah, it looked so relaxing to watch them move.
I love how they seem to dance with the waves while bobbing.
Me too! It really captures the beauty of the ocean.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
floating
swaying
dipping
Antonyms
sinking
submerging
plummeting
verb
Definition
To move up and down in a quick, light way, often in water or air.
Example
The little boat was bobbing on the waves.
Tense Forms
Past: bobbed
Past Participle: bobbed
Conversation
I saw some kids bobbing up and down in the pool today.
That looked like so much fun!
Yeah, I wish I could join them and start bobbing too.
Root Explanation
The word 'bobbing' originates from the Middle English 'bobben', meaning to move up and down or to bounce. It is likely derived from a Scandinavian source, such as Old Norse 'boba', meaning to move or shake.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that moves up and down, like a buoy in water — that's what 'bobbing' means.
Visually Confused Words
sobbing
robbing
jobbing
gobbing
dobbing
cobbing
wobbling
snobbing