What is absorb? Pronunciation and usage in English

absorb means . Learn how to pronounce and use absorb through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of absorb

absorbverb

/əbˈzɔːb/
Definition & pronunciation of absorb

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "absorb" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few different ways to hear it:

The Standard Pronunciation:

  • ah-SBAHRB (IPA: /əˈsɑrb/)

Let's break that down further:

  • ah: Like the "a" in "father" or "car."
  • SBAHR: This is the tricky part!
    • SBA: This is a diphthong – a gliding vowel sound. It sounds a bit like "sbah" – almost like you're squeezing your mouth a little as you say it.
    • R: Make sure to roll your "r" slightly. It’s not a super strong, American “rolled r,” but a definite articulation of the sound.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable – "SBAHR."
  • "a" sound: Don't pronounce the "a" in "absorb" like the "a" in "above." It's a shorter, more open "ah" sound.
  • Linking: In casual speech, it can flow together slightly - almost "ah-sbahrb"

Listen to Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to emulate (e.g., American, British)?
  • Are you struggling with a particular part of the pronunciation (like the “sbah” sound)?

Usage and examples with the word absorb in English

Let's break down how to use the word "absorb" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, so understanding the context is key!

1. To Take In or Soak Up (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to take something in, often physically, like liquid or light.
  • Examples:
    • "The sponge absorbed the water." (Physical absorption - taking in liquid)
    • "The sunlight absorbed into the leaves fueled the plant's growth." (Physical absorption - taking in light)
    • "Savor the flavors of the meal and absorb the rich aromas." (Figurative - taking in sensory experience)
    • "He absorbed all the information from the lecture." (Figurative - taking in knowledge)

2. To Take in Emotionally or Intellectually

  • Meaning: This refers to understanding or feeling something deeply. It suggests a passive reception of information or emotion.
  • Examples:
    • "She absorbed his sadness and offered him comfort." (Taking in emotion)
    • “The novel deeply absorbed me; I couldn't put it down.” (Taking in information/experience)
    • “The child absorbed her mother’s love and kindness.” (Taking in nurturing)
    • "The news absorbed him completely, leaving him speechless." (Taking in information, leading to a strong reaction)

3. To Be Ingested or Dissolved

  • Meaning: This describes how something is taken into the body, often by digestion.
  • Examples:
    • "The medicine quickly absorbed into his bloodstream." (Medical context)
    • “The sugar absorbed into his system, causing a spike in his blood sugar.” (Biological process)

4. (Of a Material) To Take in Something

  • Meaning: This is a more technical usage, referring to a material's ability to soak up something.
  • Examples:
    • "The porous stone absorbed rainwater." (Water is taken in by the stone's texture)
    • “The charcoal absorbed the smoke.” (Smoke is taken in by the charcoal’s surface)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: Decide which meaning is intended based on the surrounding words and situation.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: "Absorb" is frequently used figuratively – to describe taking in ideas or emotions – rather than literally.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the meaning, you could also use words like: soak up, ingest, take in, assimilate, grasp, comprehend, receive

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "absorb"? (e.g., write a story, answer a question, understand a specific sentence?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're working with?

Synonyms for the word absorb

Practice with vocabulary absorb

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sponge can ________ a large amount of water in just a few seconds.
  2. She tried to ________ all the information from the presentation, but it was overwhelming.
  3. The company decided to ________ the cost of the repairs to maintain customer satisfaction.
  4. Plants ________ sunlight to convert it into energy through photosynthesis.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits this sentence? "The desert sand does not ________ water easily."
    a) absorb
    b) reflect
    c) evaporate
    d) release

  2. Which words can replace "take in" in this sentence? "The student was able to ________ the complex material quickly."
    a) absorb
    b) comprehend
    c) reject
    d) ignore

  3. Which word is not suitable for this sentence? "The paper towel can ________ the spilled juice."
    a) absorb
    b) soak up
    c) repel
    d) retain

  4. Which word best describes the process of learning new information?
    a) absorb
    b) emit
    c) disperse
    d) release

  5. Which word fits this sentence? "The fabric is designed to ________ moisture during exercise."
    a) absorb
    b) repel
    c) evaporate
    d) reflect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The book contains a lot of information, and I need to understand it.
    Rewrite: The book contains a lot of information, and I need to absorb it.

  2. Original: The soil takes in water to nourish the plants.
    Rewrite: The soil absorbs water to nourish the plants.

  3. Original: She was able to comprehend the instructions quickly.
    Rewrite: She was able to grasp the instructions quickly.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. absorb
  2. absorb
  3. cover
  4. absorb

Exercise 2:

  1. a) absorb
  2. a) absorb, b) comprehend
  3. c) repel
  4. a) absorb
  5. a) absorb

Exercise 3:

  1. The book contains a lot of information, and I need to absorb it.
  2. The soil absorbs water to nourish the plants.
  3. She was able to grasp the instructions quickly.

Comment ()