imbued

USAGE SUMMARY

"imbued" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means "to pervade or permeate, as with a feeling or quality". For example, you could say, "The leader was imbued with courage and ambition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask him, too, for his response to the somewhat religious language (references to the "spirit", the "fallen" and "sacrifice" for example) that have imbued the public conversation, especially among political and commemoration leaders, about Anzac.

The Guardian

Yet, unlike the English (and Italians), I am imbued with an Australian contempt for divisions of class, for overt shows of elitism and blatant nepotism.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is an undeniably beautiful part of the world; a seductive combination of sea, lemon groves, vineyards and towns imbued with the faded grandeur of a gracefully ageing ballerina.

The Guardian - Travel

If you're an optimist, the fact that there are 1.3m apps out there provides a delightful affirmation of human ingenuity and creativity: all those programmers, each imbued with a great idea, beavering away writing code.

The Guardian - Tech

"The meat of this turkey," he writes, "is the most flavourful and moist you will ever taste, deeply imbued with the multitudinous perfumes of the stuffing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even referendum day was imbued with historical significance, taking place exactly 100 years after the ill-fated Government of Ireland Act had received royal assent on 18 September 1914, the British state's final attempt to appease Ireland on the eve of the first world war.

The Guardian

But it does mean a departure from the doctrinal antagonism that historically imbued the Catholic church in its attitude to the Jews and Judaism.The move away from prejudice was begun 40 years ago by Pope John XXIII.

The Economist

American managers are imbued with the notion that to concede to directors is to invite meddling, but Josh Lerner, of Harvard Business School, thinks that private equity demonstrates the benefits of involvement.

The Economist

Equally important is the bristling confidence that these advances have imbued in Indian companies.

The Economist

No other bug represents such mesmerising beauty, nor is imbued with such universal spiritual symbolism.

The Economist

Scholars who studied in Pakistan and the Middle East in the 1980s and 1990s returned imbued with a conservative strain of Wahhabi Islam, and found the Maldives' young population receptive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imbued" to describe something that has been deeply penetrated or filled with a particular quality, feeling, or idea. It adds a sense of depth and thoroughness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "imbued" when a simpler word like "filled" or "given" would suffice. "Imbued" suggests a pervasive and significant influence, so reserve it for situations where the penetration is profound.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imbued" is as a past participle, often used as an adjective to describe something that has been thoroughly permeated with a particular quality or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imbued" functions as a past participle that often acts as an adjective, conveying that something is deeply permeated with a specific quality or feeling. Ludwig AI validates that "imbued" is a correct word. Its usage leans toward a neutral register, finding frequent application in news and media, with notable presence in formal and business contexts. When writing, use "imbued" to add weight to your descriptions, and avoid using this term when a simple word like "filled" is enough. Consider related terms such as "infused" or "saturated" to convey a similar, yet subtly different, meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infused

Highlights the introduction of a quality or element that enhances or alters the original substance.

saturated

Implies a thorough permeation, often to the point of being full or overflowing.

permeated

Suggests a gradual spreading or penetration throughout something.

suffused

Emphasizes a gradual spreading of color or light or emotion.

steeped

Implies a prolonged immersion or saturation, often in a liquid or idea.

filled

A more general term indicating the presence of something within a space or object.

endowed

Suggests being naturally provided or gifted with a quality.

invested

Highlights the act of giving or applying a particular quality.

charged

Suggests the addition of an electrical charge or strong emotional intensity.

laden

Implies heavily filled or burdened with something.

FAQs

How can I use "imbued" in a sentence?

You can use "imbued" to describe something filled with a quality or feeling, for example: "The ceremony was imbued with a sense of tradition."

What are some alternatives to "imbued"?

Consider using "infused", "permeated", or "saturated" as alternatives to "imbued", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "imbued by" or "imbued with" a quality?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "imbued with" is the more common and natural-sounding construction. For example, "The artwork was imbued with symbolism."

What is the difference between "imbued" and "infused"?

"Imbued" suggests a deeper, more pervasive saturation, while "infused" implies a lighter, more superficial introduction of a quality. Think of "imbued" as soaking something completely, while "infused" is like adding a flavor or scent.