What is absorb? Pronunciation and usage in English

absorb means . Learn how to pronounce and use absorb through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of absorb

absorbverb

/əbˈzɔːb/
Definition & pronunciation of absorb

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "absorb" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few different ways to hear it:

The Standard Pronunciation:

  • ah-SBAHRB (IPA: /əˈsɑrb/)

Let's break that down further:

  • ah: Like the "a" in "father" or "car."
  • SBAHR: This is the tricky part!
    • SBA: This is a diphthong – a gliding vowel sound. It sounds a bit like "sbah" – almost like you're squeezing your mouth a little as you say it.
    • R: Make sure to roll your "r" slightly. It’s not a super strong, American “rolled r,” but a definite articulation of the sound.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable – "SBAHR."
  • "a" sound: Don't pronounce the "a" in "absorb" like the "a" in "above." It's a shorter, more open "ah" sound.
  • Linking: In casual speech, it can flow together slightly - almost "ah-sbahrb"

Listen to Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to emulate (e.g., American, British)?
  • Are you struggling with a particular part of the pronunciation (like the “sbah” sound)?

Usage and examples with the word absorb in English

Let's break down how to use the word "absorb" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, so understanding the context is key!

1. To Take In or Soak Up (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to take something in, often physically, like liquid or light.
  • Examples:
    • "The sponge absorbed the water." (Physical absorption - taking in liquid)
    • "The sunlight absorbed into the leaves fueled the plant's growth." (Physical absorption - taking in light)
    • "Savor the flavors of the meal and absorb the rich aromas." (Figurative - taking in sensory experience)
    • "He absorbed all the information from the lecture." (Figurative - taking in knowledge)

2. To Take in Emotionally or Intellectually

  • Meaning: This refers to understanding or feeling something deeply. It suggests a passive reception of information or emotion.
  • Examples:
    • "She absorbed his sadness and offered him comfort." (Taking in emotion)
    • “The novel deeply absorbed me; I couldn't put it down.” (Taking in information/experience)
    • “The child absorbed her mother’s love and kindness.” (Taking in nurturing)
    • "The news absorbed him completely, leaving him speechless." (Taking in information, leading to a strong reaction)

3. To Be Ingested or Dissolved

  • Meaning: This describes how something is taken into the body, often by digestion.
  • Examples:
    • "The medicine quickly absorbed into his bloodstream." (Medical context)
    • “The sugar absorbed into his system, causing a spike in his blood sugar.” (Biological process)

4. (Of a Material) To Take in Something

  • Meaning: This is a more technical usage, referring to a material's ability to soak up something.
  • Examples:
    • "The porous stone absorbed rainwater." (Water is taken in by the stone's texture)
    • “The charcoal absorbed the smoke.” (Smoke is taken in by the charcoal’s surface)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: Decide which meaning is intended based on the surrounding words and situation.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: "Absorb" is frequently used figuratively – to describe taking in ideas or emotions – rather than literally.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the meaning, you could also use words like: soak up, ingest, take in, assimilate, grasp, comprehend, receive

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "absorb"? (e.g., write a story, answer a question, understand a specific sentence?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're working with?

Synonyms for the word absorb

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