Douse vs. Dowse: What's the Difference?
The words douse and dowse, while similar in pronunciation, possess entirely different meanings. Douse generally refers to the action of plunging something into water or pouring a liquid over something, often to extinguish a fire. Conversely, dowse denotes the practice of searching for underground resources like water or minerals, typically using a divining rod.
How do you use the word douse in a sentence?
The verb douse is used to describe the act of wetting or soaking something with a liquid. You might douse a campfire with water before leaving a campsite to ensure that no embers remain that could reignite the fire. In a more metaphorical sense, one can also douse the lights, meaning to turn them off quickly.
Examples of douse in a sentence
- The firefighter worked quickly to douse the flames consuming the old barn.
- Sean doused his torch with water, plunging the cave into darkness.
- I doused my salad with balsamic vinaigrette, enjoying the tangy taste.
How do you use the word dowse in a sentence?
Dowse is typically used as a verb when referring to the action of searching for water, minerals, or other substances below the ground using a divining rod or similar tool. While scientifically dubious, dowsing is an age-old practice that some believe connects them to unseen, natural forces. Those who dowse, dowsers, claim the rod moves due to the presence of the sought-after material.
Examples of dowse in a sentence
- The farmer decided to dowse for water on the south field where the cattle grazed.
- Grandma always told stories of how her ancestors used to dowse for water wells using a forked stick.
- In some rural communities, dowsers are still called upon to locate underground springs.
Douse and dowse definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Douse definition:
Douse is a verb that means to pour a liquid over something, to wet thoroughly, or to extinguish (a fire or light) by wetting. This term is often associated with action and intention, used to describe the rapid application of a liquid.
Douse parts of speech:
Douse pronunciation:
Douse is pronounced as /daʊs/, rhyming with 'house'.
Dowse definition:
Dowse is a verb that refers to the practice of searching for water, minerals, or other hidden substances underground, often with the aid of a divining rod or a pendulum. The term is also related to the mystical or pseudo-scientific aspect of searching for unseen resources.
Dowse parts of speech:
Dowse pronunciation:
Dowse is pronounced as /daʊz/, rhyming with 'spouse'.
Douse is a verb that means to pour a liquid over something, to wet thoroughly, or to extinguish (a fire or light) by wetting. This term is often associated with action and intention, used to describe the rapid application of a liquid.
Douse parts of speech:
- Verb: Make sure you thoroughly douse the campfire with water before we leave.
- Verb: He watched her douse her head in the fountain to cool off in the summer heat.
Douse pronunciation:
Douse is pronounced as /daʊs/, rhyming with 'house'.
Dowse definition:
Dowse is a verb that refers to the practice of searching for water, minerals, or other hidden substances underground, often with the aid of a divining rod or a pendulum. The term is also related to the mystical or pseudo-scientific aspect of searching for unseen resources.
Dowse parts of speech:
- Verb: He claims he can dowse for underground streams using nothing but a pair of copper rods.
- Verb: The dowsing festival attracted enthusiasts from all over the region.
Dowse pronunciation:
Dowse is pronounced as /daʊz/, rhyming with 'spouse'.
Douse vs. Dowse in a nutshell
In essence, douse is associated with the action of pouring liquid on something or extinguishing with water, used primarily in practical, day-to-day contexts. On the other hand, dowse revolves around the act of searching for underground materials using specialized techniques. Both have their specific uses and should not be confused with one another. Whether it’s dousing flames or dowsing for water, each term occupies a unique place in the English lexicon.
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