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English Lexicon

Absorb

/əbˈzɔːrb/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1450 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, meaning 'to swallow away' or 'to engulf,' combining ab- (away, from) and sorbere (to suck in). It entered the English language in the late 16th century via French, initially retaining its literal physical sense before expanding metaphorically to mental assimilation and financial or resource consumption.

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