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Absorbed: meaning, definitions and examples

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absorbed

 

[əbˈzɔːbd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a state of full attention or focus

Having one's attention fully engaged or occupied.

Synonyms

engaged, engrossed, immersed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absorbed

Used when someone is fully focused on something and not paying attention to anything else. It suggests deep involvement.

  • She was so absorbed in her book that she didn't hear the phone ring
engrossed

Indicates that something completely occupies someone's attention, often to the exclusion of all else. Typically has a strong, all-consuming connotation.

  • The children were completely engrossed in the movie
immersed

Describes being deeply involved in a particular activity or environment, often over a period of time. Usually, it implies a positive experience.

  • She immersed herself in the culture during her year abroad
engaged

Implies active participation and interest in an activity or conversation. Often used in social or professional contexts.

  • He was engaged in a deep discussion with his colleagues

Examples of usage

  • I was so absorbed in the book that I didn't hear you come in.
  • She was absorbed in her work and didn't notice the time passing by.
Context #2 | Verb

to take in or soak up something

To take in or soak up (energy, a liquid, or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually.

Synonyms

assimilate, soak up, take in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absorbed

Used to describe a state of deep mental involvement or interest in something. This is typically used when someone is completely focused and unaware of their surroundings.

  • She was so absorbed in her book that she didn't hear the phone ring.
  • He was absorbed in his thoughts, oblivious to the noise around him.
soak up

Typically used in informal settings to describe the act of enjoying or taking in a lot of something positive, like information, atmosphere, or sunshine.

  • We went to the beach to soak up the sun.
  • During the lecture, she tried to soak up as much information as possible.
take in

Has a broad usage, can mean accepting or absorbing information, scenery, or even extra space. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to being deceived.

  • He took in the beautiful view from the mountaintop.
  • She read the article carefully to take in all the details.
  • Don’t be taken in by his lies.
assimilate

Often used in the context of learning or adopting new ideas, cultures, or information. It can mean to fully understand and integrate new knowledge into one's existing framework.

  • It took a while for the immigrants to assimilate into the new culture.
  • He assimilated the complex scientific theories quickly.

Examples of usage

  • The sponge absorbed the water quickly.
  • Plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'absorbere', meaning 'to suck in' or 'to swallow up'.
  • 'Absorb' entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally used in the context of taking in liquids.
  • Over time, 'absorbed' evolved to describe not just physical absorption, but also mental focus.

Psychology

  • Being absorbed in an activity can enhance your learning, as it often leads to a state called 'flow', where you're fully immersed in what you're doing.
  • Studies in psychology show that deep absorption can lead to greater creativity, allowing people to think outside the box.
  • Absorption can also refer to how well a person engages with stories or information, impacting memory retention.

Science

  • In chemistry, 'absorption' refers to how substances take in light or other energy, like how plants utilize sunlight for photosynthesis.
  • Materials can be classified based on their absorption properties, which is essential in fields like material science and engineering.
  • In medicine, absorption is crucial in how various drugs enter the bloodstream and take effect in the body.

Literature

  • Authors often describe characters as 'absorbed' in their thoughts to convey deep emotional states or intense focus on tasks.
  • The technique of using an 'absorbed' perspective allows readers to experience a character's inner thoughts and emotions intimately.
  • Many classic novels feature characters who become absorbed in their quests, making their journeys more compelling and relatable.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'lost in thought' often conveys the idea of being absorbed, showing up frequently in movies and songs to demonstrate characters' introspection.
  • Mindfulness and meditation practices often encourage participants to become absorbed in their breathing or surroundings, fostering relaxation.
  • Several popular video games are designed to encourage players to become absorbed in their gameplay, creating immersive experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "absorbed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 absorvido

🇮🇳 अवशोषित

🇩🇪 aufgenommen

🇮🇩 terserap

🇺🇦 поглинутий

🇵🇱 wchłonięty

🇯🇵 吸収された

🇫🇷 absorbé

🇪🇸 absorbido

🇹🇷 emilmiş

🇰🇷 흡수된

🇸🇦 ممتص

🇨🇿 pohlcený

🇸🇰 absorbovaný

🇨🇳 吸收的

🇸🇮 absorbirano

🇮🇸 uppsogað

🇰🇿 сіңірілген

🇬🇪 შეწოვილი

🇦🇿 udulmuş

🇲🇽 absorbido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,890, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.