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Sink - or-swim-Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A sink is a fixed basin with a water supply and drain, used for washing hands, dishes, or other items. It is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms.

sink

/sɪŋk/ /sɪŋk/

Definition:

To descend or submerge below a surface, or a basin for washing.

Synonyms:

submerge, descend, drop, fall, decline

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

rise, float

Common Collocations:

kitchen sink, bathroom sink, sink into, sink down, sink fast

Derivatives:

sinking, sunk, sinkable

Usage Tips:

Use "sink" as a verb for downward movement or as a noun for a washbasin.

Common Phrases:

sink or swim, everything but the kitchen sink, sink one's teeth into

Etymology:

From Old English "sincan" (to become submerged) and Proto-Germanic "sinkwan."

Examples:

  • 1. The dishes piled up in the sink overnight.
  • 2. She watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
  • 3. His heart sank when he heard the bad news.
  • 4. The boat began to sink after hitting the rocks.

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