Absorb
/əbˈzɔːrb/
Definitions
3 meaningsto take in (liquid or gas) through pores or small openings; soak up.
/əbˈzɔːrb/
take in (liquid or gas) through pores or small openings; soak up.
The towel absorbed the spilled water.
How It's Used
"Water absorbs into the sponge."
to take up and assimilate (ideas or knowledge); grasp.
/əbˈzɔːrb/
take up and assimilate (ideas or knowledge); grasp.
She absorbed the novel's themes easily.
How It's Used
"He quickly absorbed the new lessons."
engross (someone's attention); captivate.
/əbˈzɔːrb/
The movie fully absorbed him.
How It's Used
"The novel absorbed her attention for hours."
Late 15th century (in the sense 'suck up'): from late Latin absorbed-, past participle of absorbere 'suck up', from ad- 'to' + sorbere 'suck'.
Historically, the word 'absorb' was used in the 15th century to describe the physical action of soaking up liquid or gas. Later, it evolved to include the concept of taking in and understanding information.
Memory tip
Imagine a sponge soaking up water.