Immerse: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing a deep and total involvement in an activity or environment. Often suggests complete focus and can be literal, like immersing in water, or figurative, like immersing in a culture.

• She decided to immerse herself in the local culture by learning the language and customs.
• They were completely immersed in the book, losing track of time.

Ideal for describing interaction, involvement, or participation in an activity, conversation, or task. Typically implies active and interested involvement.

• The teacher engaged the students with an interesting experiment.
• She engaged in a heated debate about politics.

Use when describing the participation or inclusion of someone or something in an activity or situation. Often implies a more inclusive and comprehensive involvement.

• The project involves several different departments.
• Parents were involved in the decision-making process at the school.

Suitable for situations where one is taking in information, knowledge, or experiencing something deeply. It can also describe the process of soaking up liquids.

• He absorbed all the information during the lecture.
• The sponge absorbed the water quickly.

To involve deeply in a particular activity or interest, or to cover completely in a liquid. Often used in both literal and figurative contexts.

• She decided to immerse herself in learning a new language
• The chef immersed the vegetables in boiling water

To completely cover something with a liquid. Often used when talking about objects or areas that are fully under water.

• The city was submerged after the heavy rains
• Submerge the sponge in the soapy water to clean it

To put something into a liquid quickly and then take it out again. Typically used in contexts where quick, temporary submersion is necessary.

• She dipped the paintbrush into the water
• He dipped his toes into the pool to check the temperature

To leave something in a liquid for a period of time so that it becomes wet and soft. Commonly used for actions that require more time and complete absorption.

• Leave the beans to soak overnight
• She soaked her feet in warm water after a long day