Bathe: meaning, definitions and examples

Once again, 'bathe' is commonly used for washing or soaking the body in a tub, implying a sense of relaxation or therapeutic process.

• They bathe their dog every Sunday.
• He plans to bathe in the hot springs while on vacation.

Use 'wash' in a broad sense for cleaning various objects or parts of the body, not just for bathing the whole body. It is often more neutral and less specific.

• Don't forget to wash your hands before eating.
• She needs to wash her car this weekend.

Employ 'cleanse' when talking about thoroughly cleaning something or oneself, often to remove impurities or achieve a deeper level of clean. This term can also have a more formal or ceremonial connotation.

• She uses a special soap to cleanse her face every night.
• Doctors must cleanse their hands carefully before surgery.

Reserve 'shower' for situations where you are talking about washing the body under a spray of water. It is generally quicker and more convenient than bathing in a tub.

• I usually shower every morning before going to work.
• He decided to take a quick shower after playing soccer.

Used to mean covering or flooding something with a substance, like light or water, often in a gentle or soothing manner.

• The room was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.
• The garden was bathed with morning dew.

Used for indicating a thorough sinking or dipping into a liquid, often for a purpose like cleaning, coating, or fully experiencing something.

• She immersed herself in studying for the finals.
• The strawberries were immersed in chocolate before serving.

Typically describes being completely soaked or saturated, usually in a sudden or intense way, often with a negative connotation.

• They were drenched by the unexpected downpour.
• After the water fight, the kids were completely drenched.

Describes going under the surface of a liquid completely. It often implies a deeper or more lasting state of being underwater.

• The submarine submerged after receiving the signal.
• He submerged himself in the swimming pool to cool off on the hot day.

Used when referring to washing the entire body, often in a bath tub. It's also used in the context of swimming or relaxing in a body of water.

• She likes to bathe every evening before bed
• They went to the beach to bathe in the ocean

Commonly used in American English to refer to a room containing a bath tub and/or shower, sink, and toilet.

• Could you please tell me where the bathroom is? I need to clean the bathroom this weekend

Refers specifically to a room equipped with a shower, often found in gyms, swimming pools, or homes.

• The gym’s shower room is always clean and tidy
• I prefer using the shower room in the mornings

Describes a place offering health and beauty treatments, including baths, massages, and other relaxation therapies.

• They enjoyed a relaxing day at the spa
• I have booked a facial treatment at the spa for next weekend