Absorb Meaning
Absorb Definition & Usage
To take in or soak up a liquid, substance, or energy.
Examples
- "The sponge absorbs water very quickly."
- "Plants absorb sunlight to carry out photosynthesis."
- "The carpet absorbed the spilled coffee immediately."
- "He drank the water so fast that his body barely had time to absorb it."
- "This material absorbs heat, making it perfect for insulation."
To take in knowledge, information, or ideas through mental or sensory processes.
Examples
- "She absorbed all the information from the lecture with ease."
- "He sat quietly, absorbing the beauty of the sunset."
- "It takes time for children to absorb new vocabulary."
- "I find it hard to absorb new concepts when I'm distracted."
- "After reading for hours, she had absorbed everything she needed to know."
To be deeply involved in an activity or to be overwhelmed by emotions.
Examples
- "He was so absorbed in his work that he forgot to eat lunch."
- "She absorbed the crowd’s enthusiasm and started dancing."
- "During the concert, he absorbed every note of the music."
- "The movie was so gripping that it absorbed my full attention."
- "The team was absorbed in their strategy for the final match."
Cultural Context
The word 'absorb' has broad uses in both everyday language and technical contexts. It has evolved from physical absorption (like liquids into sponges) to abstract usages involving knowledge, energy, or emotional states. Its versatility makes it a common verb in a variety of disciplines, from science to literature to casual conversation.
The Absorbing Power of Knowledge
Story
The Absorbing Power of Knowledge
As Emily sat in the quiet library, she felt herself becoming completely absorbed in the textbook in front of her. The pages were filled with dense scientific explanations about light absorption. She had always struggled with physics, but today, the words seemed to soak into her mind effortlessly. Her focus was so intense that she barely noticed the time passing by. The world outside the library, with its bustling streets and hurried footsteps, seemed far away. Emily was absorbed, not just in the concepts, but in the very act of learning itself. Her mind was like a sponge, soaking up every piece of information it could find. As the sun began to set, she realized she had been sitting there for hours, yet the material still felt fresh and exciting, like a new world that she was only beginning to explore. It was as if the light from the afternoon sun had absorbed into her thoughts, illuminating everything she had learned so far. She was so engrossed in her studies that when her friend tapped her on the shoulder, she was startled. But as she gathered her things and walked out, she felt a quiet satisfaction—today, she had truly absorbed something new.
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