swooping
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsuːpɪŋ/
KK: /ˈswupɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that moves quickly downwards in a sweeping motion, often used to refer to birds or objects that dive or descend suddenly.
Example
The hawk was swooping down to catch its prey.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: swoopier
Superlative: swoopiest
Conversation
Did you see that bird swooping down towards the water?
Yeah, it was amazing! I've never seen one do that before.
I love watching how they swooping dive for fish.
It's really impressive — nature is full of surprises!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gliding
dipping
plunging
Antonyms
hovering
ascending
rising
noun
Definition
The act of moving quickly downwards through the air, often used to describe how birds or other animals dive or descend suddenly.
Example
The eagle was swooping down to catch its prey.
Conversation
Did you see that bird swooping down to catch its prey?
Yeah, it was incredible how fast it moved!
I love watching those moments of swooping in nature.
verb
Definition
To move quickly downwards through the air, often in a sudden or dramatic way.
Example
The eagle was swooping down to catch its prey.
Tense Forms
Past: swooped
Past Participle: swooped
Conversation
Did you see that bird swooping down to catch its prey?
Yeah, it was amazing how fast it moved!
I love watching them swooping through the air like that.
Root Explanation
Swooping → It originates from the Middle English 'swope' (meaning to sweep or move quickly), which is related to the Old English 'swapan' (meaning to sweep). The word 'swooping' describes the action of moving swiftly downwards, like a bird diving.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird 'sweeping' down quickly to catch its prey — that's what 'swooping' means.
Visually Confused Words
whooping
stooping
scooping
wooing
wooding
stoping
sopping
sloping