absorb

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "absorb" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of taking something in or taking in information. For example: "I was so enthralled by the book that I seemed to absorb its contents with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Tech

Environment

Books

Arts

Film

Global Development

Business

Education

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Industrial nations can at best give a developing country a shallow surface insight into their know-how, and even then only in the context of foreign investment deals in which developed countries that host foreign direct investment inflows skilfully negotiate and secure such agreements, and have skilled workforces to absorb and expand on such prowess.

The Guardian

Don't we all need time to absorb and understand such complex contradictions?

The Guardian

"As with some other major AAA-rated sovereigns, unless off-setting measures were adopted, the capacity of UK public finances to absorb adverse economic and financial shocks that would result in yet higher public debt while retaining its 'AAA' status has largely been exhausted," it said.

The Guardian

If Missouri or any other American state with similar conflicts – racial, religious, political, whatever – have any hope of healing, it lies with those who are serious and sturdy enough to ditch their petrified opinions, to embrace complexity and to absorb facts that make them uneasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seal and Butcher both make baklava rolls, rather than the more conventional layered pastries; it's a quicker method, but a less satisfying one, as the smaller ratio of pastry to filling allows them to absorb less syrup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd do nothing, just absorb the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead of stirring the rice to release its creamy starch, as one would with risotto, the grains are left alone, so "the rice retains its 'soul', its inner shape", but, "by boiling it in the right quantity of stock or water it will absorb all the liquid as it cools down gently, and by the time it is completely cold it will be very sticky".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The inability of Ebola-affected countries to single-handedly absorb the economic costs has led to high-level requests to the International Monetary Fund to cancel their debt.

The Guardian

Clinton's frontrunner status means she will have to absorb relentless attacks in the 577 days remaining before the election.

The Guardian

In addition to being home to around one-third of the planet's biodiversity, the Amazon is considered one of the world's most important natural defenses against global warming because of its capacity to absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide.

The Guardian

For example, Fianna Fáil would have to absorb a centre-left bloc of voters and turn them more toward the centre-right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absorb" in the context of learning, emphasize the depth of understanding and integration of new information. For instance, instead of saying "He absorbed the lesson", specify "He absorbed the lesson and applied it to solve complex problems."

Common error

The mistake lies in using "absorb" when "adsorb" is more appropriate. "Absorb" means to take in or assimilate (like a sponge soaking up water), while "adsorb" refers to the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface. Using the correct term will improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "absorb" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. Ludwig showcases its versatility through examples such as "absorb information", "absorb costs", and "absorb shocks".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absorb" functions as a transitive verb signifying the act of taking something in. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is notably high, appearing very commonly across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. Notable sources include The Guardian and The Economist. To avoid common errors, differentiate "absorb" from "adsorb". For alternative phrasing, consider ""take in"", "assimilate", or "incorporate", each with slightly differing connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take in

Focuses on the act of receiving something, whether physically or mentally, emphasizing the intake process.

soak up

Implies thorough absorption, often used in the context of liquids or information, suggesting a comprehensive assimilation.

assimilate

Highlights the process of integrating something into a larger system or understanding, suggesting a transformation of the absorbed element.

incorporate

Emphasizes the inclusion of something as part of a whole, indicating a formal integration or addition.

internalize

Refers to the process of making something a part of one's own beliefs or values, implying a deep and personal assimilation.

engrossed in

Suggests being completely occupied or fascinated by something, indicating a total mental absorption.

understand fully

Highlights complete comprehension or grasp of a concept or idea, emphasizing the cognitive aspect of absorption.

be consumed by

Implies that something dominates one's thoughts or actions, indicating an overwhelming absorption.

take over

Suggests assuming control or responsibility, indicating a comprehensive adoption or assimilation of duties.

drink in

Implies enjoying or appreciating something intensely, often used in the context of experiences or scenery, suggesting a sensory absorption.

FAQs

How can I use "absorb" in a sentence?

You can use "absorb" to describe the process of taking something in, such as "The sponge can "soak up" water" or "I need to "take in" all this information before the test".

What are some synonyms for "absorb"?

Alternatives to "absorb" include "assimilate", ""take in"", ""soak up"", and "incorporate", each with slightly different nuances depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "absorb information"?

Yes, it's correct. "Absorb information" means to "assimilate knowledge" or "internalize data" effectively, understanding and retaining the details.

What is the difference between "absorb" and "adsorb"?

"Absorb" means to take in or assimilate a substance, while "adsorb" means to adhere to a surface. For example, a sponge absorbs water, while activated carbon adsorbs impurities.