absorb (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /əbˈzɔːrb/

Definition

To take in and hold a liquid, gas, or other substance, or to make something seem to disappear.

Examples

• The paper towel absorbed the spilled juice.

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• The thick carpet absorbed the sound of footsteps.

How to Use absorb

absorb into (prepositional phrase)

To become part of a larger group, organization, or substance. — "The new employees were gradually absorbed into the company culture."

absorb something from (prepositional phrase)

To take something in from a source. — "The roots of the plant absorb water from the soil."

Synonyms of absorb

Words with a similar meaning to absorb:

• soak up
• take in
• assimilate
• ingest

Antonyms of absorb

Words with the opposite meaning to absorb:

• release
• emit

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