Saturation: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in scientific and technological contexts, such as physics, chemistry, and color theory. It describes the state when something is completely filled or soaked with a substance, such as light, color, or liquid.

• The colors in the photo have high saturation, making them appear very vibrant.
• The ground reached saturation after the heavy rain, causing flooding.

Typically used in everyday speech and writing to describe the state of being full. It can describe physical fullness, such as with food, or metaphorical fullness, such as in emotions or life experiences.

• After that huge meal, I felt a sense of fullness.
• The fullness of her life was evident in all the stories she told.

This word is also more literary and denotes the gradual spreading or infusion of a particular quality, typically color or light, over something. It has a gentle, often positive connotation.

• There was a beautiful suffusion of pink in the sky at dawn.
• Her face showed a suffusion of emotions when she received the good news.

This word is more poetic and literary, used to describe the act of filling something or someone with a particular quality, feeling, or color. It often has a positive or enriching connotation.

• The artist's work is known for imbuing a sense of calm and serenity.
• Her speech was effective in imbuing the audience with hope and inspiration.

Use 'saturation' when describing a situation where something is completely soaked or filled to capacity, often used in both literal and figurative senses.

• The sponge reached its saturation point and could not hold any more water.
• The market has reached saturation with so many similar products available.

Use 'imbibition' specifically when talking about the uptake or absorption of a liquid, mostly in scientific contexts related to biology or chemistry.

• The plant seeds undergo imbibition to start the germination process.
• The scientist explained the imbibition of water by the dry sponge.

Use 'impregnation' when referring to the process of something being thoroughly infused or filled with a substance, often used in manufacturing or materials science.

• The wood underwent resin impregnation to make it more durable.
• The textile was subject to impregnation with a waterproofing agent.

Use 'permeation' when discussing the process of a substance spreading or passing through another, often referring to gases or liquids moving through materials.

• The investigators checked for gas permeation through the container.
• The perfume's scent gradually spread by permeation throughout the room.

Saturation is often used in the context of colors or images. It describes how pure or intense a color appears, without any addition of black or white.

• The saturation of the photo was increased to make the colors pop.
• In painting, saturation helps define how vibrant the colors are.

Intensity is broadly used to describe the strength or power of something, including emotions, colors, lights, or sounds. It measures how powerful or strong something is.

• The intensity of her feelings was overwhelming.
• He adjusted the lighting intensity to create the perfect ambiance.

Vividness is used to describe something that is very clear and bright, easy to see, or full of detail. It is often applied to visuals and memories.

• The painting's vividness made it look almost real.
• She recalled the event with vividness that made it seem like it happened yesterday.

Richness is often used to describe a depth or fullness in something, like colors, sounds, flavors, or even experiences. It implies a quality that is very full or ample.

• The richness of the chocolate cake was incredible.
• The richness of the violin's sound added a lot to the performance.