take in or soak up (energy, liquid, or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually., assimilate or incorporate (ideas or information) into the mind., occupy or attract (someone's interest or attention).

absorb the cost, absorb oneself in something, absorb the shock

Formal and Informal Expressions of absorb

In different contexts, you can replace 'absorb' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'assimilate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'soak up, take in' is a commonplace synonym.

absorb: Explore its Definition & Usage

absorb Definition

1take in or soak up (energy, liquid, or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually.
2assimilate or incorporate (ideas or information) into the mind.
3occupy or attract (someone's interest or attention).

Using absorb: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "absorb" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The sponge absorbed all the water.
Example
Plants absorb carbon dioxide.
Example
She absorbed the information quickly.
Example
The novel absorbed her attention for hours.
Example
The company was absorbed by a larger corporation.

absorb Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for absorb

assimilate
imbibe
soak up
suck up
take in

Antonyms for absorb

Phrases with absorb

absorb the cost
to bear the cost of something oneself rather than passing it on to someone else
Example
The company decided to absorb the cost of the damaged goods.
absorb oneself in something
to become completely engrossed or involved in something
Example
She absorbed herself in her work and forgot about everything else.
absorb the shock
to lessen the impact of a sudden or unexpected event
Example
The airbag is designed to absorb the shock of a collision.

Origins of absorb

from Latin 'absorbere', from ab- 'away' + sorbere 'suck up'

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Summary: absorb in Brief

'Absorb' [əbˈsɔːrb] means to take in or soak up energy, liquid, or other substance by chemical or physical action, to assimilate or incorporate ideas or information into the mind, or to occupy or attract someone's interest or attention. It can be used in phrases like 'absorb the cost,' meaning to bear the cost of something oneself, and 'absorb oneself in something,' meaning to become completely engrossed or involved in something.