diver
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a person who swims underwater, often using special equipment like oxygen tanks.
a person who swims or works underwater, typically equipped with breathing apparatus or specialized gear.
Simple“The diver found a beautiful coral reef while exploring the bay.”
In context“Commercial divers were sent down to inspect the hull of the ship for damage after it struck the submerged rocks.”
Synonymsscuba diverfrogman - 02 B1 Intermediate
an athlete who jumps into water from a high board or platform.
a sportsperson who performs acrobatic leaps into water from a springboard or high platform.
Simple“The Olympic diver performed a perfect somersault before hitting the water.”
In context“The judges awarded the diver high marks for the technical difficulty of her final inward three-and-a-half tuck.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a player who falls down on purpose to trick the referee into giving a penalty.
a competitor, particularly in association football, who feigns a fall or injury to deceive the official into awarding a foul.
Simple“The referee gave the striker a yellow card because he was a known diver.”
In context“Pundits criticised the winger as a diver, arguing that his theatrical fall in the penalty area was a blatant attempt to manipulate the referee.”
UsageCommonly used in British English football contexts.
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly specific to sports like football (soccer); learners should use it to describe cheating rather than actual swimming.
Synonyms