absorb
B2Neutral to formal; widely used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To take in or soak up a liquid, gas, or other substance.
To take in information, interest, or attention fully; to incorporate or take over something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
From a core physical process (like a sponge absorbing water) to abstract senses (absorbing costs, knowledge, or a smaller company). The subject is typically the entity doing the taking in.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] absorbs [NP][NP] is absorbed by [NP][NP] is absorbed into [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “absorb the blow”
- “absorb like a sponge”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The larger company will absorb all the startup's employees.
Academic
The fabric is designed to absorb sound waves.
Everyday
This kitchen towel absorbs spills really well.
Technical
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new road surface is designed to absorb rainwater more effectively.
- She tried to absorb all the complex material before the exam.
American English
- The foam padding will absorb the shock from the fall.
- Can the budget absorb this unexpected expense?
adverb
British English
- She listened absorbedly to every word of the story.
- He watched the game absorbedly, not noticing the time.
American English
- The audience watched absorbedly as the magician performed.
- She read the letter absorbedly, her expression changing.
adjective
British English
- The absorbent paper towel soaked up the tea immediately.
- It's a highly absorbent material.
American English
- Use an absorbent cloth for that big spill.
- The absorbent qualities of the fabric are remarkable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Plants absorb water from the soil.
- The sponge absorbed all the milk I spilled.
- It's hard to absorb so much new information in one day.
- The company will absorb the extra costs this quarter.
- The buffer zone was intended to absorb the initial impact of an attack.
- She was so absorbed in her book that she missed her stop.
- The culture of the immigrant community was gradually absorbed into the mainstream.
- Certain gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPONGE in a SORBET shop - it ABSORBS all the colourful, sweet liquid.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (absorbing knowledge); AN ORGANIZATION IS A BODY (absorbing new members).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'adsorb' (адсорбировать) which is a surface process in chemistry.
- Do not translate 'absorb costs' as 'поглотить цены'; use 'взять на себя расходы'.
Common Mistakes
- *He absorbed about the news. (Incorrect) -> He absorbed the news. (Correct, requires direct object)
- *The company was absorbed from its rival. (Incorrect preposition) -> The company was absorbed by/into its rival.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to absorb a cost' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Absorb' means to take in throughout the bulk of a material (like a sponge). 'Adsorb' is a scientific term meaning to hold molecules on a surface (like a filter).
Yes, 'absorbed' (often as 'deeply absorbed' or 'completely absorbed') describes someone whose attention is fully taken up by something, e.g., 'He was absorbed in his work.'
It is a regular verb. Its past simple and past participle forms are 'absorbed'.
The main noun forms are 'absorption' (the process) and 'absorbency' (the ability to absorb).
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