dig - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
dig Word Meanings
- to break up and move earth or soil
- to understand or appreciate
- to investigate or explore
dig Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
dig Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪg/
US
/dɪg/
dig Word Etymology
dig (prefix: none + root: dig = to break up earth) → Old English 'digan' → English. Imagine a person with a shovel digging into the earth, uncovering hidden treasures beneath the surface.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the shovel, feel the weight in my palm, and push the blade into the earth. I shift my stance, turn the soil, pull aside clumps, and set the dirt in a neat pile. The effort keeps me focused, and as the trench widens, I let the earth teach me something new. Let the dirt talk, and from the grit I sense a tiny idea moving toward meaning.
Real Context
Dig is a versatile verb with three main threads. Literally, to dig means to break up and move earth or soil, usually with a shovel, in order to create a hole, plant something, or uncover buried things. Figuratively, to dig into a topic or idea means to study it closely, understand its details, or appreciate its complexity. A related sense is to dig around or dig up information, implying a search for facts. Learners often confuse dig with other verbs like discover or unearth, and they mix up the objects with phrases like dig it vs dig into it. Note that many phrasal verbs with dig attach different prepositions and particles to change the meaning.
Usage Reminders
- - Use dig for both physical digging and digging into topics.
- - Pair dig into with topics, not people.
- - Use dig up for information or evidence.
- - Learn common phrasal verbs: dig in, dig through, dig up.
- - Don’t assume dig equals discover; check the object.
Common Misconceptions
- Dig only means physical digging; it can be metaphorical.
- Dig equals discover or unearth in all cases.
- Dig into must have a direct object; you cannot dig into a topic.
- All phrasal forms with dig use the same preposition.
- Dig up always refers to pulling something out of the ground.
Thinking Differences
English tends to bisect dig into and dig up as distinct kinds of inquiry; learners often overgeneralize to all topics and mix up the physical with the investigative sense.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations: dig into, dig up, dig in
- practice with both physical and figurative contexts
- notice which object follows dig (thing vs topic)
- compare with discover/unearth to avoid false friends
- learn multiple phrasal verbs with dig and their prepositions
- use authentic examples to see tone and formality
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'dig'?
A.To dislike something intensely
B.To search for buried objects
C.To like something a lot
D.To understand and appreciate something
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'dig' used correctly?
A.I dig the taste of a bitter medicine.
B.He really digs broccoli.
C.She dug out the hole in the ground.
D.The teacher dug the student's explanation.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'dig'?
A.Love
B.Hate
C.Ignore
D.Adore
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'dig'?
A.Detest
B.Appreciate
C.Envy
D.Despise
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would someone 'dig' a specific type of music?
A.When they enjoy and connect with it
B.When they strongly dislike it
C.When they are indifferent towards it
D.When they don't understand it
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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