Word
absorbed
Phoneticsab·sorbed, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈzɔɹbd/
UK/ɐbsˈɔːbd/
Definitions
01very interested
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. giving all your attention to something because it is very interesting.
adj. fully occupied with one's thoughts or activities; deeply engrossed in a subject or task.
“She was so absorbed in her novel that she didn't hear the doorbell ring.”
“The researchers were so absorbed in the data analysis that they failed to notice the time passing, eventually working well into the night.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'in'.
Pitfall
He 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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02taken in
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. taken in or soaked up by something else.
adj. having been taken in, assimilated, or incorporated into a larger whole or substance.
“The spilled water was quickly absorbed by the thick paper towel.”
“The nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine during the digestion process.”
Usage
Often used with the prepositions 'by' or 'into'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From absorb + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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