Absorbing
/əbˈsɔː.bɪŋ/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
take in (something, especially liquid) by drawing it into itself
/əbˈsɔː.bɪŋ/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
to take in (something, especially liquid) by drawing it into itself
The towel absorbed the spilled water.
How It's Used
Chemistry
"Water absorbs into the soil."
2
engage or engross (someone) completely
/əbˈsɔːr.bɪŋ/
verbneutralAdvanced
General
to engage or engross (someone) completely
The movie was so absorbing that I didn't notice time passing.
How It's Used
Literature
"A captivating novel can completely absorb you for hours."
Tip:Think of reading a thrilling book that consumes all of your attention.
Middle English: from Old French absorber, from Latin absorbere, from sorbeere 'suck up'
Historically, the word was used to describe physical absorption, such as liquids.
Memory tip
Imagine a sponge soaking up water – that's absorption.
Practice
Base: absorb
absobingabsorbinggabzorbing
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written