dowsing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊzɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdaʊzɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The practice of finding water or other liquids using a forked stick or a similar tool, which some people believe has special powers.
Example
He used dowsing to locate a hidden water source in the dry area.
Conversation
Have you ever tried dowsing to find water?
No, but I've heard it's quite an interesting technique.
Yeah, some people swear by it for locating wells.
I think it would be fun to learn about dowsing and see if it really works!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
divining
scrying
witching
Antonyms
ignorance
disbelief
skepticism
verb
Definition
To search for underground water or minerals using a forked stick or a pendulum, often believed to be guided by supernatural forces.
Example
He spent the afternoon dowsing for water in the dry field.
Tense Forms
Past: dowsed
Past Participle: dowsed
Conversation
Have you ever tried dowsing for water?
No, but I've heard it's pretty interesting!
I did it last weekend, and it was surprisingly fun.
Root Explanation
Dowsing originates from the Middle English word 'dowsen', which is believed to be derived from the dialectal term 'douse', meaning to plunge or dip. The word refers to the practice of searching for water or minerals by using a forked stick or rod, which is said to dip or plunge down when it detects the presence of water.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'douse', which means to plunge or dip, and remember that dowsing is about plunging into the ground to find water.
Visually Confused Words
downswing
downing
owing
doing
browsing