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absorb
/əbˈsɔːrb/
to take in or soak up
The sponge quickly absorbed the spilled water.
The sponge soaked up the water efficiently.
general
to take in or soak up a liquid or other substance
The paper towel absorbed the coffee spill.
The paper towel soaked up the spilled coffee.
The soil absorbed the rainwater.
The soil took in the rainwater.
Often used for liquids, but can also refer to other substances or concepts.
general
to take in or understand information or ideas
She absorbed the details of the presentation.
She took in and understood the details of the presentation.
The students absorbed the teacher's explanation.
The students understood and retained the teacher's explanation.
Can be used metaphorically for learning or understanding.
general
to take in or incorporate something into a larger whole
The company absorbed the smaller business.
The company took over and incorporated the smaller business.
The market absorbed the new product quickly.
The market quickly accepted and incorporated the new product.
Often used in business or economic contexts.
Collocations
absorb informationto take in and understand informationabsorb coststo cover or take on financial expensesabsorb shockto reduce the impact of a sudden event
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Metaphorical Use
Remember that 'absorb' can be used both for physical substances (like liquids) and abstract concepts (like information).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'absorb' changes based on context. Pay attention to whether it's used literally or metaphorically.
Word Origin
From Latin 'absorbere', meaning 'to swallow up', from 'ab-' (away) + 'sorbere' (to suck in).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (for liquids) and metaphorically (for ideas or concepts).
Word Breakdown
ab-
away
prefix-sorb
to suck in
rootEnglish Dictionary