bask

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to describe when somebody is enjoying the warmth and light of the sun, or enjoying a pleasant and relaxed situation. For example, you could say: "He was basking in the sun on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the summer day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nigeria Govt will bask in the relief from a determined critic.

The Guardian - Books

As the organiser you get to see papers early in their development stage, be part of the future direction of your field, have some nice dinners with high level keynote speakers, and get to (hopefully) bask in the glory of a well run event that sticks in the minds of your peers.

The Guardian

Toad's Mouth, a landmark boulder near Burbage Bridge, stood crisply against the blue sky – but the wind was cold and, being under-dressed, I dropped into the deep-set brook to bask in its shelter for a while.

The Guardian

It was against his better nature to bask in a sense of satisfaction, his instinct always to look forward to the next challenge even if, for once, reflection seemed the safest option.

The Guardian - Sport

In the UK, it had been an exceptionally warm summer, and for a brief moment the whole nation seemed to bask in the sunshine glow of Britpop – culminating in the daft battle between Blur and Oasis for the No 1 spot in the singles chart in mid-August.

The Guardian - Film

But she also made Miliband look like the lucky guy who could bask in her charisma if only he'd stop being such a boring ol' PM in waiting.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the ALP's infatuation with such an obvious rat with a gold tooth stemmed from more than a desire to bask in Bond's reflected glory, though that was evidently a part.

The Guardian - Opinion

So long as the Americans are prepared to share their discoveries, and so long as the Europeans do not expect just to bask in the Americans' protection come what may, this military revolution could in the end help to tighten transatlantic ties.

The Economist

They prefer to bask in the belief that India has become another China, able to keep growing ever faster without inflation rising.

The Economist

The risk, however, is that Germany may choose to bask in its triumph and to slip back into old habits, suppressing domestic demand and focusing all its efforts on exporting more.

The Economist

Having nurtured these outfits when for-profit groups would not, they now want to bask in their successes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bask" to vividly describe enjoying warmth, praise, or favorable conditions; consider the nuance it adds to convey not just enjoyment but also a sense of passive receiving or immersion in the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "bask" to describe active achievements or efforts. It's best suited for situations where one is passively receiving or enjoying something, rather than actively pursuing it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bask" is as an intransitive verb, describing the action of enjoying a pleasant warmth or figuratively, enjoying praise or favorable attention. Ludwig's examples show its use to convey immersion in a positive state or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "bask" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes the act of enjoying warmth or positive attention. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "bask" carries a neutral register, fitting various communication styles. Ludwig's AI analysis indicates the term's primary function is to convey contentment or pleasure derived from external sources. Related phrases include "revel", "delight", and "savor", each offering a slightly different nuance of enjoyment. When using "bask", ensure it reflects a passive reception of something pleasant, avoiding its misuse for active achievements. Proper usage enhances writing by adding vividness and nuance to descriptions of positive experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revel

Focuses on intense enjoyment or delight.

delight

Highlights a strong feeling of happiness.

savor

Emphasizes the slow and appreciative enjoyment of something.

relish

Implies a keen enjoyment of something.

luxuriate

Suggests indulging in something pleasurable.

take pleasure in

A more general expression of enjoyment.

enjoy immensely

Highlights the intensity of enjoyment.

find satisfaction in

Focuses on contentment and fulfillment.

breathe in

When used metaphorically, it suggests to receive something pleasant.

soak up

Implies absorbing something pleasant like warmth or praise.

FAQs

How to use "bask" in a sentence?

You can use "bask" to describe enjoying warmth, as in "The lizard basked in the sun", or to describe enjoying praise or success, as in "The team basked in the glory of their victory".

What can I say instead of "bask"?

You can use alternatives like "revel", "delight", or "savor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bask in glory" or "bask under glory"?

"Bask in glory" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Bask" is typically followed by the preposition "in", not "under".

What's the difference between "bask" and "soak up"?

"Bask" implies a more passive and leisurely enjoyment, often associated with warmth or light, while "soak up" suggests a more active absorption or taking in of something, like knowledge or experience.