Definitions and Examples of retentive, absorbent, adhesive
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Having the ability to retain or remember things easily.
Example
She has a retentive memory and can recall details from years ago.
Having the ability to soak up or take in liquids or substances.
Example
The paper towel is very absorbent and can clean up spills quickly.
Having the ability to stick or adhere to surfaces.
Example
The glue is very adhesive and can hold the pieces together tightly.
Key Differences: retentive vs absorbent vs adhesive
- 1Retentive describes the ability to remember or retain information.
- 2Absorbent describes the ability to soak up or take in liquids or substances.
- 3Adhesive describes the ability to stick or adhere to surfaces.
Effective Usage of retentive, absorbent, adhesive
- 1Science: Use these antonyms to describe the properties of materials in science experiments.
- 2Cleaning: Use absorbent to describe cleaning tools that can soak up spills and messes.
- 3Manufacturing: Use adhesive to describe materials that can stick or bond to other materials in manufacturing processes.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct abilities: Retentive describes the ability to remember, absorbent describes the ability to soak up, and adhesive describes the ability to stick. Use these words in scientific contexts to describe material properties, in cleaning to describe cleaning tools, and in manufacturing to describe bonding materials.
