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Submersion: meaning, definitions and examples

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submersion

 

[səbˈmɜːrʒən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

underwater

The act of submerging something completely in a liquid. Submersion can also refer to the state of being underwater for an extended period of time.

Synonyms

dipping, immersion, plunge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
submersion

Used in more technical or formal contexts where complete and prolonged sinking or underwater activity is involved.

  • The submersion of the equipment in water should be done carefully.
  • Due to heavy rains, the submersion of the fields was inevitable.
immersion

Used in educational, experiential, or formal contexts to describe deep involvement in a liquid or activity, often associated with thoroughness.

  • The language immersion program helped him become fluent in Spanish.
  • The complete immersion of the statue in cleaning solution was necessary.
dipping

Used in casual or everyday contexts to describe a quick and partial immersion, often into a liquid.

  • She enjoyed dipping her toes in the cool water.
  • He was dipping the bread into the soup.
plunge

Used in dramatic or vivid contexts to describe a sudden and forceful act of diving or falling into something, often carrying a sense of adventure or urgency.

  • The kids were excited to plunge into the pool.
  • The stock market took a sudden plunge.

Examples of usage

  • The submersion of the ship caused it to sink to the bottom of the ocean.
  • Her submersion in the pool lasted for over two minutes.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

Deep involvement or absorption in a particular activity or feeling. It can also refer to the state of being fully engrossed in something.

Synonyms

absorption, engrossment, immersion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
submersion

Used primarily to describe the action of being completely underwater or covered by a liquid.

  • The submersion of the town after the heavy rains caused massive damage
  • They had to be careful during the submarine's submersion
engrossment

Refers to a state of being so focused on something that it captures all of one's attention.

  • She was in complete engrossment with her book and didn't hear the phone ring
  • His engrossment in the video game made him lose track of time
immersion

Often used to describe the act of being completely involved in a particular activity or environment, either physically or mentally.

  • Language immersion is one of the best ways to learn a new language
  • The virtual reality experience gave him a sense of full immersion
absorption

Commonly used to explain how something, especially a liquid or energy, is taken in or soaked up by another substance or material. It is also used metaphorically in contexts where someone is deeply involved in an activity.

  • The sponge is good at water absorption
  • His absorption in the project was evident by his long hours at work

Examples of usage

  • His submersion in his work often led to neglect of his personal life.
  • The submersion in grief was overwhelming for her.
Context #3 | Noun

religious

The act of immersing someone in water as part of a religious ceremony, such as baptism.

Synonyms

baptism, dunking, immersion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
submersion

Refers to the act of putting something completely underwater or other liquid, usually in a general or scientific context.

  • The submersion of the submarine was carefully monitored by the crew
immersion

Indicates deep involvement or the act of being fully covered by a fluid, often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts like learning or experiences.

  • Her immersion in Spanish culture helped her learn the language quickly
dunking

Typically used in a casual context to describe dipping something quickly into a liquid, often food into a drink, or informally for putting someone (usually jokingly) into water.

  • He enjoyed dunking his donuts into his coffee every morning
baptism

Associated with a religious ceremony, particularly in Christianity, where a person is formally admitted into the church community by being immersed in or sprinkled with water.

  • Her family's church scheduled her baptism for next Sunday

Examples of usage

  • The submersion in the holy water symbolized a purification of the soul.
  • The submersion in the river marked the beginning of his spiritual journey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'submergere', meaning 'to plunge under', with 'sub' meaning 'under' and 'mergere' meaning 'to dip'.
  • English adopted the term in the late 14th century, initially used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Science

  • In physics, submersion affects buoyancy—objects are buoyant when they displace enough water, which is why some things float while others sink.
  • Aquatic habitats often rely on submersion, as many species thrive by adapting to underwater environments, ensuring survival and reproduction.

Art

  • Some artists use submersion as a technique in painting, where water is an element in their creative process, blending colors and textures.
  • Film directors often employ the metaphor of submersion to depict characters’ emotions, showing someone sinking in water to symbolize despair.

Sports

  • In diving, submersion is a key technique that athletes practice to achieve perfect entries into the water.
  • Underwater sports like scuba diving emphasize the importance of submersion skills for safety and exploration.

Literature

  • Many literary works use submersion symbolically, representing a character’s deep emotional struggles or overwhelming experiences.
  • Metaphors of submersion can be found in poetry, portraying life's depths and the human experience of feeling submerged in thoughts or challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "submersion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imersão

🇮🇳 डूबना (Dubna)

🇩🇪 Eintauchen

🇮🇩 perendaman

🇺🇦 занурення

🇵🇱 zanurzenie

🇯🇵 浸漬 (Shinshi)

🇫🇷 immersion

🇪🇸 inmersión

🇹🇷 daldırma

🇰🇷 침수 (Chimsu)

🇸🇦 غمر (Ghamr)

🇨🇿 ponoření

🇸🇰 ponorenie

🇨🇳 浸没 (Jìnmò)

🇸🇮 potopitev

🇮🇸 dýfing

🇰🇿 сүңгу

🇬🇪 ჩაძირვა (Chadzirva)

🇦🇿 batma

🇲🇽 inmersión

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,539, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.