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Imbued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imbued

[ɪmˈbjuːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intense feeling

Imbued means to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality. It often refers to a deep or profound influence that imbues someone or something with particular qualities.

Synonyms

infused, inspired, permeated, suffused.

Examples of usage

  • The speech was imbued with a sense of urgency.
  • Her artwork is imbued with a vibrant passion for life.
  • He was imbued with confidence after the successful presentation.
Context #2 | Verb

spiritual influence

To imbue can also refer to the act of saturating something with a moral or ethical quality. This use often pertains to a more abstract influence.

Synonyms

endow, imbue, instill, radiate.

Examples of usage

  • The novel is imbued with themes of hope and redemption.
  • Her teachings were imbued with wisdom and compassion.
  • The community center is imbued with a sense of belonging.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters or settings can be imbued with specific emotions, enhancing the overall theme.
  • Classic authors like Shakespeare frequently imbue their works with deeper meanings and rich imagery.
  • A story can be imbued with cultural traditions, reflecting the values and beliefs of a society.

Psychology

  • Emotions can be imbued in our memories, influencing how we recall experiences.
  • Objects in our environment can be imbued with personal significance, like a childhood toy representing comfort.
  • Psychologists study how people imbue objects with meanings to understand attachment and sentiment.

Art

  • Artists imbue their artworks with emotions, aiming to evoke feelings in the audience.
  • Colors and symbols can be imbued with cultural meanings, making art a powerful medium for communication.
  • Some artistic movements focus on the concept of imbued meaning, encouraging viewers to find personal connections.

Cultural Significance

  • Certain rituals are imbued with spiritual significance, impacting a community's beliefs and practices.
  • Food can be imbued with cultural history, where recipes tell stories of ancestry and tradition.
  • Music genres often imbue listeners with specific moods, creating strong emotional responses.

Origin of 'imbued'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Imbued' comes from the Latin word 'imbuere', meaning 'to soak in'.
  • The word has been used in English since the late 15th century.
  • The prefix 'im-' often means 'into', which helps to understand the idea of filling something.

The word 'imbue' comes from the Latin 'imbuere', which means 'to moisten' or 'to wet'. This Latin term is composed of 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'buere', which means 'to mix' or 'to soak'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally conveying the notion of saturating with liquid. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass a broader range of influence, particularly in the context of inspiring thoughts, feelings, or qualities. The transition reflects a shift from physical saturation to metaphorical one, where ideas and emotions can be imbued in art, literature, or people's lives.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,176, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.