dab
B2Informal to neutral in most senses; technical for the flatfish.
Definition
Meaning
To lightly touch something with a quick, gentle, often repeated movement, typically with something soft or absorbent.
Used to describe applying something with quick, gentle touches. Also, a small amount of a soft substance. Informally, to apply cosmetic products lightly. Slang: to be highly skilled at something (be a dab hand), or a type of cannabis concentrate. A small, flatfish.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, implies lightness, brevity, and often repetition. As a noun for a small amount, it is often used informally. The fish sense is specialized and less common. The slang senses (skilled, cannabis) are highly informal and context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'dab' meaning 'a small amount' (e.g., a dab of glue) is more common in British English. The idiom 'dab hand at something' (skilled) is chiefly British. The cannabis concentrate sense is common in both, but the informal verb 'to dab' (perform the dance move) may have slightly different regional popularity.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary verb connotes care, gentleness, or precision. The British idiom 'dab hand' is positively connoted, implying admired skill.
Frequency
The core verb is moderately frequent in both. The noun for 'small amount' is more frequent in UK English. The cannabis and dance move senses are highly informal and generational in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + dab + OBJ + with + INSTRUMENT (She dabbed the wound with antiseptic.)SUBJ + dab + at + OBJ (He dabbed at his forehead with a napkin.)SUBJ + dab + OBJ + on + LOCATION (Dab a little perfume on your wrists.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dab hand at (something) - very skilled at something.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except perhaps in marketing for beauty products ('dab on this cream').
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Might appear in art history ('dabs of paint') or medical contexts ('dab the site with alcohol').
Everyday
Common for personal care, first aid, cooking, and casual conversation about skill.
Technical
In printing/photography ('ink dab'), in culinary arts, and in the specific context of the flatfish (Limanda).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully dabbed the spilled tea with a cloth.
- You should dab, not rub, the toner onto your skin.
- She's dabbing a bit of plaster on the wall.
American English
- Dab the steak dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- He dabbed at the cut with a disinfectant wipe.
- Just dab on some of this ointment.
adverb
British English
- (Not a standard adverb form.)
American English
- (Not a standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- He's a dab hand at baking scones.
- (No standard attributive adjective use for core meaning.)
American English
- She's a dab hand at fixing engines.
- (No standard attributive adjective use for core meaning.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Dab your face with a towel.
- There's a dab of paint on your shirt.
- Use a tissue to dab at your eyes if they water.
- Add a dab of butter to the vegetables for flavour.
- The artist applied the final highlights with quick dabs of white.
- My grandfather is a dab hand at carpentry.
- Critics praised the pianist's deft touch, comparing it to an artist dabbing colour onto a canvas.
- The new cannabis concentrate, known as a 'dab', has sparked regulatory debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **DAB** of jam on toast – it's a small, gentle touch, not a smear.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A LIGHT TOUCH (He dabbed colour onto the model, demonstrating his precise technique.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'клякса' (blot, smudge). 'Dab' - это действие, а не результат. "Dab hand" не имеет отношения к рукам, это идиома о мастерстве.
- Прямого эквивалента для 'dab' (небольшое количество мягкого вещества) может не быть; используется описательно: 'капелька', 'немного'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dab' to mean a large amount. *'She put a huge dab of mustard on her hot dog.' (Better: blob, dollop)
- Confusing 'dab at' and 'wipe'. 'Dab at a stain' is gentle; 'wipe a stain' is more vigorous.
- Overusing informal/slang senses in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'He's a dab hand at fixing things,' what does 'dab hand' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its core meaning. It implies a light, careful touch, not forceful pressure.
They are very close synonyms. 'Dab' often implies using something absorbent (cloth, cotton) to remove or apply moisture, while 'pat' can be a broader term for a light touch, often of the hand (pat someone on the back).
Yes, but specifically for applying or removing liquids in a controlled, small way (dab on perfume, dab away a tear). You wouldn't 'dab' a large spill; you would 'mop' or 'soak' it up.
It is highly informal, belonging to specific subcultures and contexts. It should be avoided in formal or general communication.