English Reference

Phrasal verb

soak up

Definition

phrasal verb. to absorb a liquid or to enjoy an experience or atmosphere as much as you can.

phrasal verb. to absorb a liquid through a surface; figuratively, to experience or take in an atmosphere, information, or sensation with great enjoyment or focus.

Examples

“Use a sponge to soak up the spilled milk.”

“We spent the whole afternoon lying on the beach to soak up the sun before heading home.”

“The young scholar spent his summer in the archives, eager to soak up every detail of the city's forgotten history.”

Examples

simple

“Use a sponge to soak up the spilled milk.”

contextual

“We spent the whole afternoon lying on the beach to soak up the sun before heading home.”

complex

“The young scholar spent his summer in the archives, eager to soak up every detail of the city's forgotten history.”

Usage

often used with abstract nouns like 'atmosphere', 'sun', 'knowledge', or 'culture'.

Teaching tip

highlight the transition from the literal physical meaning (liquids) to the figurative meaning (experiences); it implies a passive but thorough enjoyment.

Pitfall

The paper towel soaked the water up.

The paper towel soaked up the water.

While technically separable, 'soak up' is most naturally used with the object following the particle, especially when the object is a long phrase.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

soak + up + object

Synonyms

absorbtake indrink inimmerse oneself in

Antonyms

releaseignorerepel

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

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.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
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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