Immersion: meaning, definitions and examples

🌊

Add to dictionary

immersion

[ɪˈmɜːrʒən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

language learning

The act of immersing oneself in a foreign language environment to facilitate learning.

Synonyms

engulfment, submersion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
immersion	Suitable for both physical contexts (such as diving into water) and metaphorical contexts (such as being deeply involved in a topic or activity). Her immersion in the new culture helped her learn the language quickly The complete immersion of the town in water was inevitable due to the flood
submersion	Primarily used in physical contexts to describe something being fully under water or another liquid. The submersion of the submarine was smooth and efficient He reported that the fish tank's submersion system was not working properly
engulfment	Often used to describe being completely surrounded or overcome by something, typically with a somewhat negative connotation. The sudden engulfment of the car in flames shocked everyone around The city faced an engulfment by the massive dust storm

Word

Description / Examples

immersion

Suitable for both physical contexts (such as diving into water) and metaphorical contexts (such as being deeply involved in a topic or activity).

Her immersion in the new culture helped her learn the language quickly
The complete immersion of the town in water was inevitable due to the flood

submersion

Primarily used in physical contexts to describe something being fully under water or another liquid.

The submersion of the submarine was smooth and efficient
He reported that the fish tank's submersion system was not working properly

engulfment

Often used to describe being completely surrounded or overcome by something, typically with a somewhat negative connotation.

The sudden engulfment of the car in flames shocked everyone around
The city faced an engulfment by the massive dust storm

Examples of usage

She achieved fluency in Spanish through immersion in a Spanish-speaking country.
Immersion programs are popular among students looking to improve their language skills.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A technique used in virtual reality (VR) to create a sense of being fully surrounded by a computer-generated environment.

Synonyms

absorption, engrossment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
immersion	Used when describing deep involvement or participation in an environment or activity, often for the purpose of gaining experience or understanding. She experienced complete immersion in the culture during her year abroad The software offers language immersion for beginners
engrossment	Ideal when talking about being so occupied with something that it draws all attention, typically used in positive or neutral contexts regarding activities or thoughts. Her engrossment in the novel made her lose track of time Their engrossment in the project led to great results
absorption	Best used to describe the process of fully taking in information, ideas, or substances, often implying focus and concentration. It can be used in scientific or educational contexts. His absorption of the new material was impressive The sponge's absorption capacity is very high

Word

Description / Examples

immersion

Used when describing deep involvement or participation in an environment or activity, often for the purpose of gaining experience or understanding.

She experienced complete immersion in the culture during her year abroad
The software offers language immersion for beginners

engrossment

Ideal when talking about being so occupied with something that it draws all attention, typically used in positive or neutral contexts regarding activities or thoughts.

Her engrossment in the novel made her lose track of time
Their engrossment in the project led to great results

absorption

Best used to describe the process of fully taking in information, ideas, or substances, often implying focus and concentration. It can be used in scientific or educational contexts.

His absorption of the new material was impressive
The sponge's absorption capacity is very high

Examples of usage

The VR game provides a sense of immersion by placing the player in a realistic digital world.
Immersive technologies are revolutionizing the way we experience entertainment.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

liquid

The action of submerging something completely in a liquid.

Synonyms

dipping, submersion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
immersion	Used when talking about being deeply involved or absorbed in an activity or topic. Often used metaphorically. Her immersion in the study of ancient history was evident The language course promises full immersion in Spanish culture
submersion	Used when referring to the act of completely covering or sinking something in a liquid. Often has formal or technical usage. The submersion of the vessel was carefully monitored The house was at risk of submersion due to the rising floodwaters
dipping	Used when talking about a quick or brief submersion in a liquid. Often used informally. He enjoyed dipping his toes in the cool water She was dipping the strawberries in chocolate

Word

Description / Examples

immersion

Used when talking about being deeply involved or absorbed in an activity or topic. Often used metaphorically.

Her immersion in the study of ancient history was evident
The language course promises full immersion in Spanish culture

submersion

Used when referring to the act of completely covering or sinking something in a liquid. Often has formal or technical usage.

The submersion of the vessel was carefully monitored
The house was at risk of submersion due to the rising floodwaters

dipping

Used when talking about a quick or brief submersion in a liquid. Often used informally.

He enjoyed dipping his toes in the cool water
She was dipping the strawberries in chocolate

Examples of usage

The immersion of the ingredients in the sauce enhanced the flavor of the dish.
The immersion of the metal in water led to corrosion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'immersio', meaning 'to plunge in' or 'submerge'.
It was first used in English in the 15th century, originally referring to physical submersion in water.

Education

In language learning, immersion involves surrounding yourself with the language, like speaking it all the time, which helps you learn faster.
Studies have shown that students who learn in an immersive environment develop better language skills compared to traditional methods.

Virtual Reality

Immersion is a key concept in virtual reality (VR), where users feel as if they are part of a different world through interactive experiences.
High levels of immersion in VR depend on realistic visuals, sounds, and interactions that make players feel they are truly 'there'.

Psychology

Immersion can enhance experiences and emotions, leading to greater satisfaction and engagement in activities like reading or gaming.
The flow state, where a person is fully absorbed in an activity, is closely related to the concept of immersion.

Pop Culture

Films and video games often utilize immersion techniques, with elaborate settings and storytelling that draw the audience in deeply.
The term has been popularized in the context of experiences like escape rooms, where participants feel fully involved in the adventure.

Translations

Translations of the word "immersion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imersão

🇮🇳 डूबना

🇩🇪 Eintauchen

🇮🇩 perendaman

🇺🇦 занурення

🇵🇱 zanurzenie

🇯🇵 没入

🇫🇷 immersion

🇪🇸 inmersión

🇹🇷 daldırma

🇰🇷 몰입

🇸🇦 غمر

🇨🇿 ponoření

🇸🇰 ponorenie

🇨🇳 沉浸

🇸🇮 potopitev

🇮🇸 áhygð

🇰🇿 сүңгу

🇬🇪 ჩაძირვა

🇦🇿 batırma

🇲🇽 inmersión

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,463, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10460 diving
10461 staffing
10462 infinity
10463 immersion
10464 deformed
10465 bony
10466 congratulate
...