to imbibe

USAGE SUMMARY

"to imbibe" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to drinking, especially in a formal or literary context. Example: "He loves to imbibe fine wines during dinner." Alternative expressions include "to drink" and "to consume."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Too early to imbibe?

The New York Times - Travel

Any suggestions on where to imbibe?

The New York Times - Travel

They are buying to invest, not to imbibe.

The Economist

And then again, to imbibe the commentary track.

The New York Times - Arts

The bee settled on it and began to imbibe.

The New Yorker

The critical issue is what to imbibe after the feast.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In April, there's another reason to imbibe: the state's inaugural North Carolina Beer Month.

The New York Times

"In the summertime, people want to imbibe a lot," said Krissy Harris, an owner.

The New York Times - Food

The Monkeys tend to imbibe their influences with unseemly thirst, though.

The Guardian - Music

Want to go DYL tonight?" (That would be "destroy your liver," an invitation to imbibe).

The New York Times - Food

It would be far better to reduce, not expand, the mathematics we ask young people to imbibe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to imbibe" when you want to add a touch of formality or sophistication to your writing, especially when discussing alcoholic beverages or the absorption of knowledge or culture.

Common error

Avoid using "to imbibe" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler words like "drink" or "absorb" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to imbibe" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express the action of drinking or absorbing something, either literally or figuratively, aligning with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to imbibe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive verb phrase that means to drink or absorb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts, especially in news, scientific, and business writing. While common, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "drink" or "absorb". The phrase enjoys high source quality and consistent usage, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing consumption or assimilation in a sophisticated manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to drink

A direct synonym, focusing on the physical act of consuming a liquid.

to consume

A broader term that can refer to eating or drinking.

to ingest

A more formal term for taking something into the body.

to absorb

Focuses on the process of something being taken in, often used metaphorically for knowledge or ideas.

to assimilate

Similar to absorb, but with an emphasis on integrating what is taken in.

to soak up

Implies a thorough absorption, often used for information or experiences.

to take in

A general term for receiving something, either physically or mentally.

to partake of

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying to consume.

to quaff

To drink deeply or heartily.

to down

To drink quickly and completely.

FAQs

How to use "to imbibe" in a sentence?

You can use "to imbibe" to describe the act of drinking, especially in a formal or literary context. For example, "He loves "to imbibe fine wines" during dinner" or "She went to the museum "to imbibe the local culture"".

What can I say instead of "to imbibe"?

You can use alternatives like "to drink", "to consume", or "to absorb" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to imbibe" or "to drink"?

Both "to imbibe" and "to drink" are correct, but they have different connotations. "To imbibe" is more formal and often used in literary or sophisticated contexts, while "to drink" is a more general and common term.

What's the difference between "to imbibe knowledge" and "to absorb knowledge"?

"To imbibe knowledge" suggests a deliberate and appreciative taking in of information, while "to absorb knowledge" implies a more passive or unconscious process of learning.