absorption
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the process of taking in a liquid, gas, or other substance.
the process by which one substance, such as a solid or liquid, takes up another, such as a gas or liquid, throughout its bulk.
Simple“The paper towel has a high rate of absorption for spills.”
In context“The rate of nutrient absorption in the small intestine is critical for maintaining overall metabolic health.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonymssoaking upintake - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way a surface or material takes in energy like light, heat, or sound.
the process by which the energy of a photon or sound wave is taken up by matter, typically being transformed into internal energy.
Simple“Darker colours increase the absorption of heat from the sun.”
In context“The acoustic panels were designed specifically for the absorption of low-frequency sound waves to prevent echoes in the recording studio.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the state of being so interested in something that you do not notice anything else.
the state of being completely engrossed or occupied by a thought or activity.
Simple“Her total absorption in the book meant she didn't hear the doorbell.”
In context“His complete absorption in the research project led him to neglect his social obligations for several months.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is formal; in everyday conversation, learners might prefer 'lost in' or 'focused on'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the process of a smaller group or company becoming part of a larger one.
the process of incorporating or integrating a smaller entity into a larger one.
Simple“The absorption of the small firm into the global corporation took two years.”
In context“The successful absorption of the immigrant population into the local workforce required significant policy changes and community support.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“It affects multiple parts of the ants' bodies, particularly the lining of the midgut, which plays an important role in digestion and nutrient absorption.”
“Long-term use of Pepcid may also affect the absorption of vitamins and nutrients, she adds.”
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Italic *ap Latin abder. Latin ab- Proto-Indo-European *srebʰ- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éyeti Proto-Indo-European *srobʰéyeti Proto-Italic *sorβeō Latin sorbeō Latin absorbeō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin absorptiōder. English absorption First attested in 1597. From Latin absorptiō (“a sucking in”), from absorbeō (“absorb”). Morphologically absorb + -tion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.