Imbibe: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.