ducking
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdʌkɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdʌkɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of lowering the head or body quickly to avoid something, or the action of bending down.
Example
He was ducking to avoid the low-hanging branch.
Conversation
Did you see that ducking competition at the park yesterday?
Yeah, it looked like so much fun!
I can't believe how skilled some of those people were at ducking under the water.
I know, right? It takes a lot of practice to get that good!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dodge
avoid
squat
Antonyms
confront
face
meet
verb
Definition
To lower the head or body quickly to avoid something or to hide.
Example
He was ducking to avoid the flying ball.
Tense Forms
Past: ducked
Past Participle: ducked
Conversation
Did you see that kid ducking under the swing?
Yeah, it was pretty funny!
I can't believe he almost got hit!
Root Explanation
Ducking → The word 'ducking' originates from the verb 'duck', which comes from Middle English 'ducken', meaning to lower the body quickly. The term is often associated with the action of bending down or lowering oneself, especially to avoid something.
Memory Tip
Think of quickly lowering your body to avoid something — that's what 'ducking' means.
Visually Confused Words
tucking
sucking
decking
bucking
uncoking
trucking
suckling
shucking