Bathe: meaning, definitions and examples

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bathe

[beɪð ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

taking a bath

To immerse oneself in water for cleansing or refreshing purposes. It involves washing the body with soap or shampoo and rinsing with water. Bathing can be done in a bathtub, shower, or natural body of water.

Synonyms

cleanse, shower, wash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bathe	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.
wash	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.
cleanse	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.
shower	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.

Examples of usage

I like to bathe in the bathtub after a long day at work.
She bathes her baby every night before bedtime.
They decided to bathe in the river on a hot summer day.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

exposing something to water or liquid

To cover or immerse something in liquid. It can involve soaking an object in water or giving it a liquid treatment. Bathing an object can be done for cleaning, dyeing, or other purposes.

Synonyms

drench, immerse, submerge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bathe	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.
immerse	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.
drench	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.
submerge	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.

Examples of usage

The chef bathes the meat in a marinade before cooking.
She bathed the cloth in a solution to remove the stain.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

a place for bathing

A container or area specifically designed for bathing. It includes bathtubs, showers, hot tubs, or pools. Bathing facilities are commonly found in homes, hotels, and recreational centers.

Synonyms

bathroom, shower room, spa.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bathe	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
bathroom	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
shower room	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
spa	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

Examples of usage

The hotel room had a luxurious marble bath.
We installed a new bathtub in our bathroom.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'bæð', which means 'a bath'.
Related words exist in various languages, showing a common concept: for example, 'baigner' in French and 'baden' in German both mean to bathe.
It has evolved over centuries, changing in spelling and usage but retaining the essence of cleaning with water.

Cultural Practices

In ancient Rome, communal bathing was a social activity, with elaborate bathhouses serving as centers of relaxation and socialization.
Japanese culture includes 'onsen' or hot spring baths, which are not only for cleaning but also for health and relaxation.
In many cultures, bathing rituals are tied to spiritual cleansing and are performed as part of religious ceremonies.

Health and Hygiene

Regular bathing is essential for personal hygiene, helping to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin.
Hydrotherapy, which includes bathing in warm water, is often used in physical therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Research shows that bathing can improve mental health by providing relaxation and stress relief.

Literature

Bathing has been a theme in many literary works, symbolizing purification and renewal, like in the story of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play.
The imagery of water in poetry often reflects emotional states, with bathing signifying a fresh start or escape from reality.
Famous authors, including Virginia Woolf, wrote about the simple pleasures of a bath as a way to reflect and rejuvenate.

Environment

Modern bathing practices are increasingly focused on water conservation, encouraging shorter showers and mindful water usage.
The introduction of eco-friendly bath products aims to reduce the impact of bathing on the environment, promoting sustainability.
Various cultures promote natural bathing, such as swimming in lakes or rivers, to connect with nature and embrace outdoor experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "bathe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 banhar-se

🇮🇳 स्नान करना

🇩🇪 baden

🇮🇩 mandi

🇺🇦 купатися

🇵🇱 kąpać się

🇯🇵 入浴する (にゅうよくする)

🇫🇷 se baigner

🇪🇸 bañarse

🇹🇷 yıkanmak

🇰🇷 목욕하다

🇸🇦 استحمّ

🇨🇿 koupat se

🇸🇰 kúpať sa

🇨🇳 洗澡 (xǐ zǎo)

🇸🇮 kopati se

🇮🇸 baða sig

🇰🇿 жуыну

🇬🇪 ბანაობა

🇦🇿 çimmək

🇲🇽 bañarse

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,403, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15400 dart
15401 astronomer
15402 budgeted
15403 bathe
15404 logged
15405 plugged
15406 recompense
...