imbibe

USAGE SUMMARY

"imbibe" is a perfectly valid and usable word in written English.
It is most commonly used in the sense of to drink, often specifically to drink alcoholic beverages. For example, you could say, "We imbibed cocktails at the bar all night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an excellent wee theatre, Milton Keynes, and not just because the authorities there are civilised enough to allow you to imbibe; a 1400-seater auditorium with a pit big enough to take a large orchestra (Welsh National Opera have toured Wozzeck here in the past), but with a Glyndebourne-esque sense of intimacy and immediacy.

The Guardian - Music

Hundreds of different beers line the back room walls like wallpaper and are available to imbibe on the spot or to purchase individually for take out; which is a much rarer thing than you'd think, as Pennsylvania liquor laws are mostly relics imposed in the 1930s by temperance heads, still sore about the repeal.

The Guardian - Travel

A SHARP new message will soon be delivered to the 15m men who gather every Friday in mosques all over Turkey to imbibe the latest spiritual guidance, on anything from foreign policy to personal cleanliness, from the country's state-appointed prayer leaders.

The Economist

[this an interesting reversal of the usual thesis that Poles imbibe anti-semitism with their mother's milk]"I am surprised at your surprise.

The Economist

He complains that the American elite no longer thinks American culture is worth preserving, and therefore no longer insists that immigrants imbibe it.

The Economist

Anthony Maher, a Siemens director, says that senior managers will be transferred to Unisphere to "imbibe" its entrepreneurial culture.Despite these relatively modest purchases, both companies at least look better equipped than before to defend their traditional markets from the Americans.

The Economist

Angelique Krembs of Pepsi says the new drink is aimed at consumers who are keen to imbibe less sugar with their cola but dislike the taste of diet drinks.

The Economist

It had a Goldilocks location (close enough to Europe to imbibe its heat, distant enough to avoid many of its wars) and a Goldilocks state (strong enough to work, weak enough to keep out of the way).

The Economist

The FDA says adults should imbibe no more than 400mg a day.

The Economist

Scottish fans who imbibe gallons of beer and whisky and who occasionally bare their bottoms are readily forgiven.But then the French have always had a soft spot for perfidious Albion's northern neighbours.

The Economist

Poles, said the former Israeli leader Yitzhak Shamir, "imbibe anti-Semitism with their mother's milk .Certainly prejudice was prevalent in pre-war Poland; but many Poles defied it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imbibe" to add a touch of formality or sophistication when referring to drinking, especially alcoholic beverages, or to emphasize the act of absorbing knowledge or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "imbibe" in casual conversation where simpler words like "drink" or "absorb" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imbibe" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the action of drinking or absorbing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid English word often associated with drinking or acquiring knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imbibe" is a valid and frequently used English word that functions as a transitive verb. As Ludwig AI points out, it primarily refers to drinking, often alcoholic beverages, or to absorbing knowledge. While grammatically sound, it leans towards formality and is best suited for writing and formal speech, as demonstrated by its prevalence in News & Media and Encyclopedias. For casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "drink" or "absorb" are generally more appropriate. Remember to use "imbibe" when you want to add a touch of sophistication or emphasize the deliberate act of drinking or learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drink

A more common and general term for consuming a liquid.

consume

Implies a more thorough or complete act of drinking or taking in.

absorb

Focuses on the process of taking something in, often knowledge or information.

assimilate

Highlights the integration of something into one's understanding or being.

take in

A broader term for receiving or understanding something.

soak up

Suggests a passive and thorough absorption.

ingest

A more formal term for taking something into the body.

partake of

A somewhat archaic or formal way to say to consume something.

drink in

Focuses on experiencing or appreciating something intensely.

gain

Implies acquiring knowledge or a skill.

FAQs

How do I use "imbibe" in a sentence?

You can use "imbibe" to describe the act of drinking, especially alcoholic beverages, or to describe the act of absorbing information or ideas. For example, "They "imbibe" fine wine at the gala" or "Students "imbibe" knowledge from their professors".

What's the difference between "imbibe" and "drink"?

"Imbibe" is a more formal term than "drink". While "drink" is a general term for consuming liquids, "imbibe" often implies a more deliberate or appreciative act of drinking, or a figurative absorption. Consider using "drink" in common situations and "imbibe" for elevated or figurative uses.

What can I say instead of "imbibe" when referring to knowledge?

When referring to knowledge, you can use alternatives like "absorb", "assimilate", or "take in" depending on the context.

Is "imbibe" appropriate for everyday speech?

While grammatically correct, "imbibe" is more suited to formal writing or speech. In everyday conversation, simpler words like "drink" or "absorb" are generally preferred. Overusing "imbibe" in casual contexts may sound unnatural.