Imbue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imbue

[ɪmˈbjuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

influence

To imbue means to inspire or influence deeply. It is often used in the context of imparting a quality or feeling to something or someone.

Synonyms

infuse, ingrain, inspire, instill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imbue	Use when you want to describe permeating or saturating something with a particular quality or feeling. The artist's work is imbued with a sense of melancholy. Her speech was imbued with passion and sincerity.
infuse	Commonly used when you want to describe introducing a new element, especially in a subtle or gradual manner. The chef aimed to infuse the dish with local flavors. He tries to infuse his lessons with humor to engage the students.
instill	Used when describing gradually but firmly establishing an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic. She hoped to instill a love of reading in her students.
inspire	Typically used when you want to describe the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, especially something creative. Her bravery inspired everyone around her. The beauty of the landscape inspired him to start painting again.
ingrain	Mainly used to describe something deeply embedded or firmly established, often in habits or beliefs. Years of tradition had ingrained a deep respect for nature in the community. The importance of hygiene was ingrained in her from a young age.

Examples of usage

She tried to imbue her children with a love for reading.
His paintings are imbued with a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
The teacher's passion for history imbued her students with a newfound interest.
The book is imbued with themes of loss and redemption.
The music imbued the audience with a sense of joy and celebration.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

dyeing

In the context of dyeing fabric, to imbue means to saturate or permeate with a color or dye.

Synonyms

color, dye, stain, tint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imbue	Duplicate entry.
dye	Typically used when referring to the act of changing the color of fabric, hair, or other materials by applying a dye. Often used in a literal, practical sense. She decided to dye her hair a vibrant red The company specializes in dyeing textiles
color	Commonly used to describe giving something a particular hue or shade, but also used metaphorically to suggest affecting someone's perception or emotions. The artist decided to color the sky with shades of purple and pink His experiences in the war colored his view of the world
tint	Typically used to describe giving a slight or subtle addition of color to something. Often used with more delicate or gentle applications. She decided to tint the glass windows with a light blue hue The sky was tinted with shades of pink during the sunset
stain	Often used in situations where something is accidentally or negatively marked, typically with a difficult-to-remove or noticeable mark. Can also be used metaphorically to denote tarnishing someone's reputation. He accidentally spilled coffee and stained his shirt The scandal stained his otherwise impeccable career

Examples of usage

She carefully imbued the fabric with a rich blue dye.
The artist used a special technique to imbue the cloth with vibrant hues.
The dye was slowly imbued into the fibers, creating a beautiful gradient effect.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many authors use 'imbue' to describe how characters inspire or influence one another.
A famous line might say a teacher imbues students with hope and knowledge, highlighting the power of education.
In poetry, describing nature can imbue the scene with deep feelings, connecting readers emotionally.

Art

Artists may imbue their works with cultural significance, reflecting their backgrounds and beliefs.
Colors in a painting can be used to imbue various moods, such as warmth or sadness.
Sculptures often imbue a sense of strength or fragility, depending on the materials and shapes chosen.

Psychology

Positive experiences can imbue individuals with greater confidence and happiness, influencing their actions.
Mood can be imbued in social settings; for example, a party filled with laughter encourages joy in attendees.
Research suggests that when people imbue their goals with personal meaning, they are more likely to achieve them.

Pop Culture

Movies often imbue characters with traits that reflect real-life issues, making them relatable to the audience.
Musicians may imbue their songs with personal experiences, allowing listeners to connect on an emotional level.
Literary adaptations sometimes imbue classic stories with modern themes, making them resonate with today’s audiences.

Origin of 'imbue'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'imbuere,' which means 'to wet or moisten.'
Its use in English dates back to the late 14th century, originally meaning to wet or soak.
Over time, 'imbue' evolved to mean filling something with non-physical qualities, like ideas or emotions.

The word 'imbue' has its origins in the Latin word 'imbuere', which means 'to wet, moisten'. Over time, the meaning of 'imbue' has evolved to represent the act of deeply influencing or saturating something with a quality. The concept of imbuing has been present in various cultures and traditions, where the transfer of knowledge, emotions, or characteristics is seen as a powerful and transformative process.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,899, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28896 subcontracted
28897 shirking
28898 broadcloth
28899 imbue
28900 mayoral
28901 scratchy
28902 conflated
...