English Reference

Word

absorptive

Phoneticsab·sorp·tive

Definition

adj. describing something that takes in or holds onto a substance, like a sponge taking in water.

adj. capable of taking in or holding onto a substance, such as a liquid or gas. Often used in technical contexts to describe materials or biological processes.

Examples

“The soil has an absorptive quality that helps it hold water.”

“The new fabric is highly absorptive, making it ideal for athletic wear that needs to wick away sweat.”

“The lining of the small intestine is covered in villi to maximize its absorptive surface area, allowing for the efficient uptake of nutrients from the digestive tract.”

Examples

simple

“The soil has an absorptive quality that helps it hold water.”

contextual

“The new fabric is highly absorptive, making it ideal for athletic wear that needs to wick away sweat.”

complex

“The lining of the small intestine is covered in villi to maximize its absorptive surface area, allowing for the efficient uptake of nutrients from the digestive tract.”

Etymology

From absorb + -tive.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

absorptive(C1)

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Rare
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference