absorbed
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
giving all your attention to something because it is very interesting.
fully occupied with one's thoughts or activities; deeply engrossed in a subject or task.
Simple“She was so absorbed in her novel that she didn't hear the doorbell ring.”
In context“The researchers were so absorbed in the data analysis that they failed to notice the time passing, eventually working well into the night.”
UsageUsually follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'in'.
PitfallHe was absorbed by his book. He was absorbed in his book.When describing someone who is very interested in an activity, use the preposition 'in', not 'by'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
taken in or soaked up by something else.
having been taken in, assimilated, or incorporated into a larger whole or substance.
Simple“The spilled water was quickly absorbed by the thick paper towel.”
In context“The nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine during the digestion process.”
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'by' or 'into'.
Synonyms
“When the Sun is shining, its energy comes through the windows where it is absorbed by the curtains.”
“An award-winning gardener, Ed was there tending the seasonal display plants, dressed in a draped shirt, loose shorts, and knee-high rubber boots, absorbed in his work.”
From absorb + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.