# soak up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soak-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The paper towel soaked the water up." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.