English Reference

Word

soaked

US/ˈsoʊkt/

UK/sˈəʊkt/

Definitions

01extremely wet

B1 · Intermediate

adj. completely wet through to the skin or the center.

adj. thoroughly saturated with liquid, typically water. Often used predicatively or as a post-modifier.

“We didn't have an umbrella, so we were soaked by the time we got home.”

“The hikers arrived at the base camp soaked to the bone after navigating the mountain pass during a torrential downpour.”

Pitfall

I am soaked from the rain.

I am soaked by the rain.

While 'from' is sometimes used, 'by' or 'in' are more common when describing the cause of being wet.

Synonyms

drenchedsaturatedsopping

Antonyms

dryparched

02very drunk

C1 · Advanced British English · Slang · Informal

adj. having drunk far too much alcohol.

adj. highly intoxicated or inebriated. This sense is restricted to informal spoken contexts.

“He came home completely soaked after the office party.”

“The group appeared visibly soaked as they stumbled out of the pub just before closing time.”

Teaching tip

This usage is specifically British and quite informal; learners should use 'drunk' or 'intoxicated' in most other settings.

Synonyms

drunkwastedhammered

Antonyms

sober

03beaten up

C2 · Proficiency American English · Slang · Dialect

adj. having been hit or punched many times.

adj. physically assaulted or beaten, particularly involving being punched. Primarily found in specific regional dialects.

“The guy looked soaked after the fight outside the club.”

“He emerged from the scuffle looking thoroughly soaked, with several bruises already beginning to form on his face.”

Teaching tip

This is a very niche regional slang term; most English speakers will only understand 'soaked' as meaning 'wet'.

Synonyms

beatenpummeled

Idioms

01. soaked to the skin

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference