Imbibe: meaning, definitions and examples

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imbibe

[ɪmˈbaɪb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

drink

To imbibe means to consume liquids, especially alcoholic drinks. It can also refer to absorbing or soaking up something.

Synonyms

absorb, consume, drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imbibe	Use this in formal or literary settings when referring to drinking, especially alcohol. It can also mean to absorb information or ideas in a metaphorical sense. He preferred to imbibe his evening wine in solitude. The students imbibed the professor's teachings eagerly.
drink	This is the most common and straightforward term for taking in liquids, particularly beverages. I need to drink more water every day. He drank a glass of juice.
consume	This is broad and used for eating, drinking, or using resources. It can also refer to being emotionally overwhelmed by something. He consumes a lot of coffee during the day. The fire consumed the whole building. She was consumed by guilt.
absorb	This is appropriate when talking about taking in liquids or substances, as well as learning new information. It's a more versatile and scientific term. The sponge can absorb a lot of water. She absorbed all the details about the project quickly.

Examples of usage

He liked to imbibe a glass of wine with his dinner.
She imbibed the knowledge from the books she read.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

absorb

To absorb or assimilate. To take in or soak up.

Synonyms

absorb, assimilate, soak up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imbibe	Typically used when talking about drinking liquids, often in social or cultural contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe taking in information or ideas. They decided to imbibe some wine during the celebration. She loves to imbibe knowledge from various books.
absorb	Used in a variety of settings, including scientific contexts, to describe the process of taking in a substance or information. Can be used both literally and metaphorically. The sponge can absorb a lot of water. He found it difficult to absorb all the information in the lecture.
assimilate	Often used in the context of cultural or informational integration. It can describe the process of fully understanding something and making it a part of yourself. It's important to assimilate into the new culture when moving to a different country. She quickly assimilated the new concepts learned in the class.
soak up	Informal and commonly used to describe absorbing liquids, but can also be used to describe taking in experiences or information with enthusiasm. The towel can soak up the spill quickly. During the trip, he wanted to soak up every bit of the local culture.

Examples of usage

Plants imbibe water through their roots.
He tried to imbibe the culture of the new country.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

archaic

A drink, especially an alcoholic one.

Synonyms

beverage, drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imbibe	Usually used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of drinking, especially alcohol. It can also describe absorbing knowledge or ideas. During the celebration, guests gathered to imbibe fine wines. She loves to imbibe new philosophies from various cultures.
drink	A versatile term that can be used in any context, formal or informal, to refer to consuming liquid. It can refer to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids. Can I offer you a drink while you wait? He poured himself a drink after a long day at work.
beverage	A general term typically used in both casual and formal contexts to refer to any type of drink, whether it's water, coffee, tea, or alcohol. They offered a variety of beverages, including tea, juice, and coffee. The menu lists a wide range of beverages to complement your meal.

Word

Description / Examples

imbibe

Usually used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of drinking, especially alcohol. It can also describe absorbing knowledge or ideas.

During the celebration, guests gathered to imbibe fine wines.
She loves to imbibe new philosophies from various cultures.

drink

A versatile term that can be used in any context, formal or informal, to refer to consuming liquid. It can refer to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids.

Can I offer you a drink while you wait?
He poured himself a drink after a long day at work.

beverage

A general term typically used in both casual and formal contexts to refer to any type of drink, whether it's water, coffee, tea, or alcohol.

They offered a variety of beverages, including tea, juice, and coffee.
The menu lists a wide range of beverages to complement your meal.

Examples of usage

He offered her an imbibe of ale.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'imbibere', which means 'to drink in'.
It originally described the act of taking in liquids but has evolved to include metaphorical uses, like absorbing ideas.
The prefix 'in-' suggests a sense of absorbing, making it related to both physical and mental processes.

Literature

Writers often use 'imbibe' in poetry and prose to enhance the experience of drinking through rich descriptions.
In classic literature, imbibing often symbolizes indulgence, celebration, or even escape from reality.
Famous novels, such as those by Hemingway, frequently feature characters who imbibe, reflecting social and cultural themes.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, imbibing beverages plays a crucial role in social rituals, such as toasting at weddings or ceremonies.
Alcohol has historically been central to cultural celebrations, often used to symbolize unity and joy among participants.
Different regions have their own traditional drinks, which are celebrated and shared during festivals and gatherings.

Health Perspectives

Moderate imbibing of certain drinks can have social benefits, fostering connections during communal events.
Conversely, excessive imbibing is linked to health risks, leading to discussions about responsible drinking.
The phrase 'imbibe responsibly' has emerged to promote balance and health consciousness in drinking habits.

Popular Culture

Television shows and films often depict characters imbibing as part of their social lives, reflecting modern societal norms.
The concept of craft brewing has revived interest in imbibing, with people exploring diverse flavors and local practices.
Bars and breweries use creative names and themes to attract customers who enjoy the experience of imbibing unique beverages.

Translations

Translations of the word "imbibe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 absorver

🇮🇳 अवशोषित करना

🇩🇪 aufnehmen

🇮🇩 menyerap

🇺🇦 вбирати

🇵🇱 wchłaniać

🇯🇵 吸収する (きゅうしゅうする)

🇫🇷 absorber

🇪🇸 absorber

🇹🇷 emmek

🇰🇷 흡수하다

🇸🇦 يمتص

🇨🇿 absorbovat

🇸🇰 absorbovať

🇨🇳 吸收 (xīshōu)

🇸🇮 absorbirati

🇮🇸 gleypa

🇰🇿 сіңіру

🇬🇪 შთანთქმა

🇦🇿 udmaq

🇲🇽 absorber

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,980, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26977 protester
26978 complexed
26979 defuse
26980 imbibe
26981 tamping
26982 pressuring
26983 reconnect
...