English Reference
adjective

immersed

adj.
US /ˌɪˈmɝst/ UK /ɪmˈɜːsd/ im·mersed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    so busy or interested in something that you give it all your attention.

    deeply involved or absorbed in an activity, subject, or environment to the exclusion of other stimuli.

    Simple

    She was so immersed in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell ring.

    In context

    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'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is the most common way learners will encounter the word in modern writing and speech.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    completely covered by water or another liquid.

    fully submerged or sunken beneath the surface of a liquid.

    Simple

    The silver coins remained immersed in the cleaning solution for several hours.

    In context

    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.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    growing or staying entirely under the water.

    growing or remaining entirely under the surface of water; used to describe aquatic plants or specific plant organs.

    Simple

    The pond has many immersed plants that provide oxygen for the fish.

    In context

    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.

    Teacher's tip

    In general English, 'submerged' is more common; 'immersed' is the preferred term in formal scientific classification.

    subaquatic
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated