bask
C1Neutral; can be used in both formal and informal contexts, with a slightly literary or descriptive tone.
Definition
Meaning
To lie or relax in a warm, pleasant place, especially in sunlight.
To take great pleasure or satisfaction in something positive, such as praise, attention, or success.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is physical (in warmth/light). The extended meaning is figurative, describing a state of enjoyment derived from an abstract source like admiration. It implies a passive, receptive enjoyment rather than an active pursuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently positive, conveying comfort, contentment, and enjoyment in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly more common in descriptive or literary contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] basks in [Noun Phrase (sun/glory/attention)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bask in reflected glory”
- “bask in the limelight”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Occasionally used figuratively: 'The company continues to bask in the success of its flagship product.'
Academic
Rare, mostly in literary or descriptive analyses.
Everyday
Common for describing relaxing in the sun. Figurative use is understood.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cats love to bask on the warm patio stones.
- He basked in the glow of his recent promotion.
American English
- We spent the afternoon basking by the lake.
- The team is still basking in the championship victory.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog basks in the sun every day.
- I like to bask in the garden.
- After the race, the winner basked in the applause.
- They spent their holiday basking on the beach.
- The author basked in the critical acclaim her new novel received.
- Retirees often move south to bask in a warmer climate.
- Having finally secured the deal, he allowed himself to bask in a profound sense of accomplishment.
- The regime's propaganda ensured the leader would perpetually bask in the adulation of the state media.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BASKet lying open in the SUN, soaking up the warmth.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITIVE EMOTION/SUCCESS IS WARMTH/SUNLIGHT (e.g., 'basking in praise').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'греться' (to warm oneself) only; remember the figurative meaning of enjoying success/attention ('наслаждаться славой').
- It is not 'загорать' (to sunbathe/tan), which is more active.
Common Mistakes
- Using it with negative concepts: *'bask in misery' is incorrect.
- Using it transitively: *'He basked the sun.' is incorrect; must be 'basked IN the sun.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'bask' is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its core meaning relates to warmth/sunlight, but it is very commonly used figuratively to mean 'to enjoy' a positive situation like praise or success.
No, it is an intransitive verb and must be followed by the preposition 'in' (e.g., bask in the sun, bask in glory).
'Sunbathe' specifically implies exposing oneself to the sun, often to get a tan. 'Bask' is more general, implying relaxing in warmth or light for pleasure, and has a strong figurative use.
It is neutral but has a slightly descriptive, literary quality. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech, especially when describing relaxing in the sun.