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Imbiber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imbiber

[ɪmˈbaɪbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person who drinks alcohol

Imbiber is a person who habitually drinks alcohol, often in large quantities. This term is commonly used to refer to someone who enjoys consuming alcoholic beverages frequently.

Synonyms

alcoholic, drinker, lush.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imbiber

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who drinks alcohol.

  • The novel's protagonist was an imbiber of fine wines.
  • At the event, several imbibers gathered to taste the new selection.
drinker

A general term used in everyday conversation to describe someone who consumes alcohol, without any implication of addiction.

  • She's a social drinker who enjoys a glass of wine with dinner.
  • He is an occasional drinker, preferring beer during the weekends.
alcoholic

Used in medical or serious contexts to describe someone addicted to alcohol. This term typically has a negative connotation.

  • He sought help after realizing he was an alcoholic.
  • The support group offers assistance for recovering alcoholics.
lush

Informal and often slightly derogatory, used to describe someone who drinks a lot. It can sometimes convey a sense of humor or affection in certain contexts.

  • She's known as the office lush, always the first to suggest happy hour.
  • During the holiday party, the usually reserved John turned into a bit of a lush.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as the office imbiber, always seen with a drink in his hand.
  • The party was full of enthusiastic imbibers enjoying the variety of cocktails on offer.
Context #2 | Noun

person who absorbs or soaks up something

Imbiber can also refer to a person or thing that absorbs or soaks up something, such as liquid or information. This usage is less common compared to the one related to drinking alcohol.

Synonyms

absorber, soaker, sponge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imbiber

Same word as earlier, typically used to describe someone who consumes liquids, mostly alcoholic drinks.

  • As an imbiber, she enjoyed tasting a variety of cocktails
absorber

Used more generally to describe something or someone that takes in liquids, energy, or information efficiently.

  • The sponge is an excellent absorber of water
  • He's a quick absorber of new knowledge
soaker

Usually refers to an object or person that becomes saturated with liquid. Can sometimes imply something or someone heavily drenched.

  • The heavy rain turned him into a soaker in minutes
  • The towel became a soaker after being left in the pool
sponge

Commonly refers to a material used for cleaning or absorbing liquids. It can also describe someone who relies on others excessively for resources (negative connotation).

  • Use a sponge to clean up the spill
  • He was such a sponge, always borrowing money from his friends

Examples of usage

  • The sponge is a great imbiber of water, it can soak up spills in seconds.
  • She is an imbiber of knowledge, always eager to learn new things.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, drinking has been a central social activity, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans celebrating it with festivals and rituals.
  • In many cultures, beverages are linked to hospitality, where offering a drink symbolizes friendship and welcome.
  • Drinking customs, such as toasting and sharing drinks, have evolved into important cultural practices around the globe.

Psychology

  • Studies show that group dynamics can influence drinking behavior – people often drink more in social settings than alone.
  • The idea of 'social lubricant' suggests that alcohol can reduce anxiety and enhance social interaction.
  • Certain personality types may be more prone to excess drinking, highlighting the connection between temperament and alcohol consumption.

Health and Wellness

  • Moderate alcohol consumption can have some perceived health benefits, like potential heart health, although these benefits are cautiously debated.
  • Excessive drinking has been linked to various health risks, including liver disease and increased chances of accidents.
  • Awareness about responsible drinking has grown, with campaigns aimed at reducing binge drinking and promoting moderation.

Literature

  • Imbibing is often romanticized in literature, depicting it as a source of inspiration or a deeper emotional experience.
  • Famous literary works, like those by Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald, often explore themes of drinking and its impacts on characters and plots.
  • Poets have historically used drinking as a metaphor for both creativity and escapism, symbolizing the highs and lows of life.

Origin of 'imbiber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'imbibe' comes from the Latin 'imbibere', meaning 'to drink in' or 'soak up'.
  • It combines 'in-' (into) with 'bibere' (to drink), highlighting the act of taking in liquids.
  • The term has roots in similar words across various languages, showing how drinking has been a universal concept.

The word 'imbiber' originates from the Latin word 'imbibere', which means 'to drink in'. Over time, the term has evolved to have both literal and metaphorical meanings, referring to someone who drinks alcohol or someone who absorbs information or substances. The concept of imbibing has been associated with various cultural and social contexts throughout history, reflecting human behaviors and habits related to consumption.

See also: imbibe, imbibition.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,195, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.