absorb

Everyday

1. To absorb a liquid, gas or heat is to take it in, as a sponge takes in water. tree →
2. To absorb information is to learn it and understand it. tree →
3. To be absorbed in something is to be so interested in it that you notice nothing else. tree →
4. To absorb a shock or blow is to take its force so it does less harm. tree →

In the lessons

In science, absorbent materials (paper towels, sponges, cotton, soil) soak up water, and testing which material absorbs most is a common fair-test experiment. Dark colours absorb more light and heat than light colours, which reflect it — so black cars get hot in summer. Plants absorb water through roots; the body absorbs food through the gut. Helmets and trainers absorb impact. Phrases: «absorb water», «absorbed in», «absorb light», «absorb the shock».

Examples

• A sponge absorbs water. tree →
• Paper towels absorb spills. tree →
• Black clothes absorb more heat from the Sun. tree →
• Plant roots absorb water from the soil. tree →
• She was so absorbed in her book that she didn't hear me. tree →
• A bike helmet absorbs the force of a fall. tree →
• I need time to absorb all this information. tree →
• Which material absorbs the most water? tree →
• Crimthann absorbed instruction like a sponge and digested it as rapidly. tree →

Note

Regular verb: absorbed. Adjective: absorbent; noun: absorption (note the p). «Absorbed in» = very interested. In science, «absorb» (take in) is the opposite of «reflect» for light and of «repel» for water.