dig

The word “dig” means to move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole. In plain terms, to make a hole in the ground, to search hard for facts, or (casually) to like something.

“Dig” is pronounced dihg (/dɪɡ/ in IPA).

Here is “dig” used in a sentence: “I really dig this new song.”

Depending on how it is used, “dig” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “dig” comes from Old English. From Middle English diggen, related to Old English dician, "to dig a ditch" — the same root that gave us dyke/dike.

“Dig” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Dig” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole.

Both mean to move earth to make a hole, but "dig" is the everyday word, while "excavate" is more formal and technical, often used for archaeology or large construction. Archaeologists excavate a site, but a gardener digs a hole.

The past tense and past participle of "dig" is "dug," not "digged." For example, "they dug a trench" and "the tunnel was dug by hand."

Common expressions include "dig up" (uncover), "dig in" (start eating or hold a position), "dig into" (investigate), and "dig yourself into a hole" (make a situation worse). Many rely on the idea of digging to reveal or entrench.