Soaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soaking

[หˆsoสŠ.kษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

wet

To make or become thoroughly wet by immersing in liquid; saturate.

Synonyms

douse, drench, immerse, saturate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
soaking

Used to describe something or someone that is extremely wet, typically from being in the rain or a large amount of water.

  • After walking through the storm, he was soaking wet.
  • The children were soaking after playing in the sprinkler.
drench

Implies making something or someone completely wet, usually unexpectedly or uncomfortably. Often used in contexts where the wetness is extreme.

  • The sudden downpour drenched us before we could find shelter.
  • He was drenched in sweat after running the marathon.
saturate

Means to make something completely soaked, often to the point where no more liquid can be absorbed. Can also be used figuratively in contexts like markets or colors.

  • The ground was saturated after the heavy rain.
  • The market is saturated with similar products.
douse

Often used when referring to pouring a large amount of liquid over something, typically to extinguish a fire or cover something with water. Can have a negative connotation if it's forceful or sudden.

  • The firemen doused the flames with water.
  • She accidentally doused her clothes with juice.
immerse

Typically used when something is fully submerged in a liquid, or figuratively when someone is deeply involved in an activity. Usually neutral or positive in connotation.

  • To cook the pasta, you need to immerse it in boiling water.
  • She was completely immersed in her book.

Examples of usage

  • He soaked the clothes in the sink.
  • The rain soaked through my jacket.
  • We were soaking wet after the storm.
Context #2 | Noun

relaxation

A period of time spent relaxing in a hot bath or other warm water.

Synonyms

bath, dip, immersion, submersion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
soaking

Used when someone or something is very wet, often due to being in water for a long time. It emphasizes the extent to which the object or person is saturated with liquid.

  • After playing in the rain, I was completely soaking
  • The sponge needs a good soaking before we use it
bath

Commonly refers to the act of washing the body in a tub of water. It can also be used more broadly for any soaking activity done for relaxation or hygiene.

  • She enjoys a warm bath after a long day
  • The doctor recommended taking a hot bath to relieve muscle tension
dip

Refers to briefly entering or submerging something into a liquid. It is used when the action is quick and temporary.

  • He took a quick dip in the pool before breakfast
  • I like to dip my cookies in milk
immersion

Indicates a complete submersion in liquid, often for a long period. Sometimes used in a metaphorical sense to describe being deeply involved in an activity or subject.

  • Full immersion in the language helped him learn French quickly
  • The diver prepared for deep-water immersion
submersion

Refers to being fully under the surface of water or another liquid. Often used in scientific or technical contexts. Can have a more formal or severe connotation.

  • The submersion of the submarine took several minutes
  • Prolonged submersion in water can cause hypothermia

Examples of usage

  • After a long day at work, she enjoyed a soothing soak in the tub.
  • I like to take a nice hot soak to unwind.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Soaking is a common method in cooking, such as when grains are soaked to make them easier to digest.
  • In gardening, soaking seeds before planting can improve germination rates by allowing them to absorb moisture.
  • The process of soaking can change the texture of materials, like softening wood or fabric through absorption.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, soaking is used in traditional food preparation, such as making soaked rice or beans for better taste.
  • In Japanese culture, soaking in an onsen (hot spring) is a common way to relax and is believed to promote health.
  • In herbal medicine, soaking herbs in water is a method used to extract their beneficial properties.

Health

  • Soaking in warm water can help soothe sore muscles and reduce stress, making it a popular self-care practice.
  • Medical advice often recommends soaking wounds to keep them clean and promote healing.
  • Hydrotherapy uses soaking in various temperatures of water as a therapeutic method for physical ailments.

Pop Culture

  • Soaking has appeared in popular TV shows and films, often humorously depicting characters getting caught in the rain or unexpected water situations.
  • In certain social media trends, soaking has been humorously referenced in challenge videos, showcasing exaggerated scenarios of people getting wet.
  • The act of soaking is often romantically depicted in movies, such as charming scenes where characters splash water while enjoying the rain.

Origin of 'soaking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'soak' originates from the Old English 'sลcian', meaning to absorb or take in.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'sลkลnฤ…', which relates to the act of soaking or drawing in liquid.
  • Related terms include 'soaked', which implies something has absorbed liquid completely.

The word 'soaking' originated from the Old English word 'sacan' which means to make thoroughly wet. Over time, the word evolved to 'soaking' with the same meaning of becoming wet through immersion. The concept of soaking has been around for centuries, with people using water for various purposes such as cleaning, relaxation, and even spiritual rituals.


See also: soak, soaked, soaker.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,629, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.