Langimage
English

absorbs

|ab/sorbs|

B2

🇺🇸

/əbˈzɔrbz/

🇬🇧

/əbˈzɔːbz/

(absorb)

take in or soak up

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
absorbabsorbersabsorbsabsorbedabsorbedabsorbingabsorptionabsorbabilityabsorbentabsorbedabsorbingabsorptiveabsorbingly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'absorb' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'absorbere,' where 'ab-' meant 'from' and 'sorbere' meant 'to suck.'

Historical Evolution

'absorbere' transformed into the Old French word 'absorber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'absorb' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to suck in,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to take in or soak up.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to take in or soak up (energy, liquid, or other substance) by chemical or physical action.

The sponge absorbs water quickly.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to engross the attention of someone.

The book absorbs the reader from the first page.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/04/08 04:21