Vocabulary in context
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Absorb
To take in or soak up something (such as liquid, information, or attention); to engross or occupy someone.
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Imagine This
Imagine a large sponge labeled ABSORB placed under a dripping faucet. The sponge slowly soaks up every droplet, leaving the counter dry.
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Sounds Like
ab-SORB
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Looks Like
absorbent, absorption
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Remember This
The core idea is taking something in and keeping it—whether moisture, knowledge, or attention. Related forms extend the idea to a noun (absorption) and adjectives (absorptive, absorbed, absorbing).
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Other Forms
absorptionnoun
absorptiveadjective
absorbernoun
absorbedadjective
absorbingadjective
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Connect With
soak up, soak in, assimilate, engross, capture attention
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Note
Use absorb with a direct object: absorb moisture, absorb information, absorb stress. In figurative use, it can mean to engross or capture one’s full attention (The lecture absorbed the audience). Distinguish from related but different verbs like 'assimilate' (adopt mentally) or 'emit' (to give off).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The sponge absorbed the spilled juice within seconds.
- The lecture was so engaging that the students absorbed every detail.
Synonyms
soak upimbibeassimilateengrosstake in
Antonyms
emitexudereject
Etymology
From Latin absorbere, from ab- 'away' + sorbere 'to suck up'; via Old French absorber, entering English with the sense of taking in or drawing in.
Mnemonic
Picture a giant sponge labeled ABSORB soaking up every droplet. The key idea is to take in and hold something, just like a sponge soaks up liquid.
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Foresee
verbTo anticipate or predict something before it happens; to have awareness of future events.
Rectify
verbTo correct something; to make it right by removing errors, or to repair or amend.
Balm
nounA fragrant ointment or preparation used to soothe or heal; something that provides comfort or consolation.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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