soaked
- 01 B1 Intermediate
completely wet through to the skin or the center.
thoroughly saturated with liquid, typically water. Often used predicatively or as a post-modifier.
Simple“We didn't have an umbrella, so we were soaked by the time we got home.”
In context“The hikers arrived at the base camp soaked to the bone after navigating the mountain pass during a torrential downpour.”
PitfallI 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.
- 02 C1 Advanced
having drunk far too much alcohol.
highly intoxicated or inebriated. This sense is restricted to informal spoken contexts.
Simple“He came home completely soaked after the office party.”
In context“The group appeared visibly soaked as they stumbled out of the pub just before closing time.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is specifically British and quite informal; learners should use 'drunk' or 'intoxicated' in most other settings.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
having been hit or punched many times.
physically assaulted or beaten, particularly involving being punched. Primarily found in specific regional dialects.
Simple“The guy looked soaked after the fight outside the club.”
In context“He emerged from the scuffle looking thoroughly soaked, with several bruises already beginning to form on his face.”
Teacher's tipThis is a very niche regional slang term; most English speakers will only understand 'soaked' as meaning 'wet'.
Synonymsbeatenpummeled