Word
immersed
Phoneticsim·mersed, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈmɝst/
UK/ɪmˈɜːsd/
Definitions
01deeply involved
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. so busy or interested in something that you give it all your attention.
adj. deeply involved or absorbed in an activity, subject, or environment to the exclusion of other stimuli.
“She was so immersed in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell ring.”
“The researchers spent three years immersed in the local culture, eventually gaining the trust of the community leaders.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'in'.
Teaching tip
This is the most common way learners will encounter the word in modern writing and speech.
Antonyms
02underwater
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. completely covered by water or another liquid.
adj. fully submerged or sunken beneath the surface of a liquid.
“The silver coins remained immersed in the cleaning solution for several hours.”
“The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised after the supports remained immersed in floodwaters for over a week.”
Usage
Often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe objects in fluids.
Synonyms
03botany
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. growing or staying entirely under the water.
adj. growing or remaining entirely under the surface of water; used to describe aquatic plants or specific plant organs.
“The pond has many immersed plants that provide oxygen for the fish.”
“The species is characterized by its immersed leaves, which differ significantly in structure from those that grow above the waterline.”
Usage
Specific to botanical and biological descriptions.
Teaching tip
In general English, 'submerged' is more common; 'immersed' is the preferred term in formal scientific classification.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Other research has shown that when someone is fully immersed in a task they care about, also known as a "flow state," time seems to speed by.” “I’ll always want more, but maybe the problem with virtual reality isn’t about feeling immersed.” Domain
- 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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englishreference.com/q/immersed