B2verb1K

Dig

UK /["/dɪɡ/","/dɪɡz/","/dʌɡ/","/ˈdɪɡɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪɡ/","/dɪɡz/","/dʌɡ/","/ˈdɪɡɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a hole in the ground or to move soil from one place to another using your hands, a tool or a machine

In simple words: To make a hole in the ground.

Examples

  • I love to dig in the garden and plant new flowers each spring.
  • The archaeologists had to dig carefully to uncover ancient artifacts.
  • He decided to dig a hole for the new tree he bought.
  • She started to dig into the details of the project to understand it better.
  • The team's coach told them to dig deep and find their full potential.
  • They will dig at the construction site starting next week.
  • He is known to dig through old records to find lost history.
  • During the meeting, she had to dig hard to find the answers to the questions.

Usage notes

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. Can refer to physical digging or searching for information. More common in casual conversation than in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

dig + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'dog' digging in the dirt — both start with 'di'.

Collocations

  • deep
  • deeply
  • down
  • for
  • into
  • through

Synonyms

  • excavate
  • burrow
  • scoop
  • delve
  • probe

Antonyms

  • fill
  • cover
  • bury

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dive' — don't mix up the two actions.
  • Incorrect tense usage — remember 'dug' for past tense.
  • 'Dig' as a noun — confusion with the noun form 'dig' (like a hole).