absorb
gb/əbzˈɔɹb/ us/əbzˈɔɹb/
A2
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Take in a liquid or gas
To take in a liquid or gas, like a sponge takes in water.
Usage pattern:
to absorb [liquid/gas]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'absorb' with 'adsorb', which is a technical chemistry term meaning to collect particles on a surface, not soak into it.
Synonyms
soak up (More informal and often used for liquids in everyday contexts.)
Antonyms
release (Means to let a liquid or gas out, opposite of taking it in.)
Collocations
absorb water
|absorb moisture
|absorb oil
|absorb heat
Themes
science
|daily life
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The towel quickly absorbed the spilled juice.
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
- This sponge can absorb a lot of water.
- The mask is designed to absorb harmful fumes.
Learner examples
- The cloth absorbs water.
- Plants absorb air and water.
- A sponge absorbs milk.
- The wall absorbs heat from the sun.
Verb
B1
action
2
Fully understand information
To understand and remember new information or ideas.
Usage pattern:
to absorb [information/knowledge]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with 'memorize', which focuses on storing information rather than fully understanding it.
Synonyms
assimilate (More formal, often used in academic contexts for integrating new knowledge.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not pay attention to information, opposite of taking it in.)
Collocations
absorb information
|absorb knowledge
|absorb details
Themes
education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It took him a while to absorb all the details of the plan.
- She listened carefully, trying to absorb every word.
- It can be hard to absorb so much information at once.
Learner examples
- I need time to absorb this idea.
- He reads books to absorb knowledge.
- She could not absorb the lesson.
Verb
B1
action
3
Reduce impact or energy
To take in force, sound, or energy so it is weaker.
Usage pattern:
to absorb [shock/noise/heat]
Synonyms
cushion (Focuses more on softening physical impact.)
Antonyms
reflect (To bounce energy like light or sound back instead of taking it in.)
Collocations
absorb shock
|absorb sound
|absorb heat
Themes
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Good running shoes help absorb shock when you run.
- The walls are designed to absorb sound from outside.
- Dark colors absorb more heat from the sun.
Learner examples
- The shoes absorb shock when I walk.
- Curtains absorb noise from the street.
- Black clothes absorb heat.
Verb
B2
action
4
Include into something larger
To make something part of a bigger thing so it is no longer separate.
Usage pattern:
to absorb [organization/group]
Synonyms
integrate (Focuses on combining parts into a whole, sometimes keeping some individuality.)
Antonyms
separate (To keep things apart rather than combine them into one.)
Collocations
absorb costs
|absorb losses
|absorb a company
Themes
business
|politics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The larger company absorbed its smaller competitor.
- The empire absorbed many neighboring states.
- The new system will absorb all current user data.
Learner examples
- The big shop absorbed the small shop.
- The country absorbed new land.
- The team absorbed new players.
Verb
B1
action
5
Hold attention completely
To take all of someone's attention so they think only about that thing.
Usage pattern:
to be absorbed in [something]
Synonyms
engross (Slightly more formal; strong focus on deep involvement.)
Antonyms
distract (To take attention away from something rather than focus on it.)
Collocations
absorbed in thought
|absorbed in work
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She was so absorbed in her book she didn’t hear the phone ring.
- He became absorbed in solving the puzzle.
- The movie completely absorbed the audience.
Learner examples
- She is absorbed in her book.
- He is absorbed in his game.
- I am absorbed in my work.
Grammar
Dictionary form
absorb
IPA
GB/əbzˈɔɹb/
US/əbzˈɔɹb/
Syllables & stress
ab - sorb (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sorb)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: absorb
- 3rd Person Singular: absorbs
- Present Participle: absorbing
- Past: absorbed
Word family
Forms
absorbs
verb
absorbing
verb
absorbed
verb
Core family
absorption
noun B2
absorbent
adjective
Related words
absorber
noun
absorbable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
nonabsorbent
adjective
Advanced or less common
absorbency
noun
Expressions
absorb information
1/əbzˈɔɹb ˌɪnfɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Take in and understand facts
To learn and understand new facts or ideas well.
Examples
- It’s easier to absorb information when you are interested in the topic.
- Students need time to absorb information before exams.
absorb the cost
1/əbzˈɔɹb ðə kˈɔst/
fixed phrase
Pay expense yourself
To pay for something yourself instead of making someone else pay for it.
Examples
- The company decided to absorb the cost of repairs for all customers.
- We will absorb the cost so you don’t have to pay extra.
be absorbed in
1/bˈi əbzˈɔɹbd ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
Fully focused on something
To give all your attention to one thing and not notice anything else.
Examples
- He was completely absorbed in his painting and didn’t notice me enter.
- She is often absorbed in thought for hours.