English Lexicon

Absorb

/əbˈzɔːrb/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1420 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To take in or soak up (liquid or energy) through a surface.

    "The sponge can absorb a significant amount of water."
  2. 2

    To take in information or ideas fully.

    "She was able to absorb the complex theories quickly."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb absorbere, combining ab- (away, from) and sorbere (to swallow or suck in). It entered the English language in the late 15th century via Old French and Middle French, initially referring to physical ingestion or swallowing before expanding into metaphorical domains of taking in knowledge or energy.

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