spelunking
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /spəˈlʌŋkɪŋ/
KK: /spəˈlʌŋkɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The activity of exploring caves and underground passages for fun or adventure.
Example
They spent the weekend spelunking in the beautiful caves of the national park.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about going spelunking?
I haven't, but it sounds really adventurous!
Yeah, exploring caves could be so exciting and different.
Definitely! We should plan a trip and try spelunking together.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
caving
exploration
adventuring
Antonyms
abandonment
neglect
disinterest
verb
Definition
To explore caves, especially for recreation or adventure.
Example
They spent the weekend spelunking in the nearby caves.
Tense Forms
Past: spelunked
Past Participle: spelunked
Conversation
Have you ever tried spelunking in those caves nearby?
Not yet, but it sounds like an adventure!
We should plan a trip; I heard it's amazing to explore.
Root Explanation
Spelunking originates from the word 'spelunk' (from the Latin 'spelunca', meaning cave). The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process. Thus, spelunking refers to the activity of exploring caves.
Memory Tip
Imagine exploring the dark and mysterious 'caves' ('spelunca') — that's what spelunking is all about.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.