Sunbathe: meaning, definitions and examples

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sunbathe

[ ˈsʌnˌbeɪð ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

on the beach

To sunbathe means to lie in the sun in order to get a suntan. It is a popular leisure activity during warm weather.

Synonyms

sun tan, tan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sunbathe	This word is often used to describe the activity of lying in the sun with the intention of getting a sun tan or simply enjoying the heat and light. It is typically used in a leisure or vacation context. We spent the whole afternoon sunbathing by the pool. She loves to sunbathe on the beach during the summer.
sun tan	This phrase is used to describe the result of exposing skin to the sun, usually for a prolonged period. It indicates a darker skin tone achieved through sun exposure. It's often mentioned in conversations about appearance and skin care. I got a nice sun tan after our trip to the Bahamas. He was proud of his sun tan and showed it off to his friends.
tan	This word can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the darker skin color resulting from sun exposure. As a verb, it describes the act of becoming darker due to sun exposure. It is a more general term and can be used in various contexts, including discussions on appearance, health, and even cosmetics. She has a beautiful tan after spending two weeks in Hawaii. I need to tan a bit before the wedding.

Word

Description / Examples

sunbathe

This word is often used to describe the activity of lying in the sun with the intention of getting a sun tan or simply enjoying the heat and light. It is typically used in a leisure or vacation context.

We spent the whole afternoon sunbathing by the pool.
She loves to sunbathe on the beach during the summer.

sun tan

This phrase is used to describe the result of exposing skin to the sun, usually for a prolonged period. It indicates a darker skin tone achieved through sun exposure. It's often mentioned in conversations about appearance and skin care.

I got a nice sun tan after our trip to the Bahamas.
He was proud of his sun tan and showed it off to his friends.

tan

This word can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the darker skin color resulting from sun exposure. As a verb, it describes the act of becoming darker due to sun exposure. It is a more general term and can be used in various contexts, including discussions on appearance, health, and even cosmetics.

She has a beautiful tan after spending two weeks in Hawaii.
I need to tan a bit before the wedding.

Examples of usage

During the summer, many people love to sunbathe on the beach.
She spent the whole afternoon sunbathing by the pool.
He enjoys sunbathing to relax and unwind.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

on a sunny day

To expose one's body to the sun's rays in order to relax or get a tan.

Synonyms

bask in the sun, soak up the sun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sunbathe	Used when referring to lying in the sun specifically to tan or relax, especially at the beach or by the pool. She loves to sunbathe during her summer holidays. After the swim, we decided to sunbathe on the deck.
bask in the sun	Used when referring to lying in the sun to enjoy its warmth and light, often implying a sense of comfort and pleasure. The lizard basked in the sun on the rock. They spent the afternoon basking in the sun in the garden.
soak up the sun	Used when emphasizing the act of enjoying or absorbing the sun’s rays, often for relaxation and rejuvenation. I can't wait to soak up the sun on our tropical vacation. Let's head outside and soak up the sun while it's still warm.

Word

Description / Examples

sunbathe

Used when referring to lying in the sun specifically to tan or relax, especially at the beach or by the pool.

She loves to sunbathe during her summer holidays.
After the swim, we decided to sunbathe on the deck.

bask in the sun

Used when referring to lying in the sun to enjoy its warmth and light, often implying a sense of comfort and pleasure.

The lizard basked in the sun on the rock.
They spent the afternoon basking in the sun in the garden.

soak up the sun

Used when emphasizing the act of enjoying or absorbing the sun’s rays, often for relaxation and rejuvenation.

I can't wait to soak up the sun on our tropical vacation.
Let's head outside and soak up the sun while it's still warm.

Examples of usage

They decided to sunbathe in the park on the sunny Sunday afternoon.
After swimming, they laid out their towels to sunbathe on the deck.
She finds it therapeutic to sunbathe and read a book at the same time.

Translations

Translations of the word "sunbathe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tomar sol

🇮🇳 धूप सेंकना

🇩🇪 sich sonnen

🇮🇩 berjemur

🇺🇦 засмагати

🇵🇱 opalać się

🇯🇵 日光浴をする (にっこうよくをする)

🇫🇷 prendre un bain de soleil

🇪🇸 tomar el sol

🇹🇷 güneşlenmek

🇰🇷 일광욕하다

🇸🇦 التشمُّس

🇨🇿 opalovat se

🇸🇰 opaľovať sa

🇨🇳 晒太阳 (shài tàiyáng)

🇸🇮 sončiti se

🇮🇸 sóla sig

🇰🇿 күнге қыздырыну

🇬🇪 მზეზე გარუჯვა

🇦🇿 günəşlənmək

🇲🇽 asolearse

Etymology

The word 'sunbathe' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'sun' and 'bathe'. The practice of sunbathing dates back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, who believed in the healing powers of the sun. With the rise of beach culture in the 20th century, sunbathing became a popular leisure activity associated with health and relaxation.