soak

Everyday

1. To soak something is to leave it in water or another liquid for a time, so it becomes completely wet. tree →
2. To soak someone is to make them very wet. tree →
3. To soak up a liquid is to take it in, as a sponge or paper towel does. tree →
4. To soak up something like sunshine or knowledge is to enjoy or learn a lot of it. tree →
5. A soak is a long time spent in water, like a long bath. tree →

In the lessons

In science, materials that soak up water are absorbent (sponge, paper, cloth) and those that do not are waterproof (plastic, rubber) — a classic experiment. In cooking, you soak beans or rice. In everyday life, «soaked» or «soaking wet» means wet all through after rain. Phrases: «soak up», «soaked through», «soaking wet», «leave to soak».

Examples

• The rain soaked us on the way home. tree →
• Soak the dirty pan in warm soapy water. tree →
• A sponge soaks up water. tree →
• My socks were soaking wet. tree →
• Mum soaked the beans overnight. tree →
• We tested which material soaked up the most water. tree →
• The children soaked up everything the guide said. tree →
• Dad had a long soak in the bath. tree →
• “We do,” said the bullocks. “It is red stuff that soaks into the ground and smells.” tree →

Note

Regular verb: soaked. «Soaked» and «soaking wet» are adjectives meaning very wet. Do not confuse with «soap». «Soak up» = absorb.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah cakes made with flour for offerings were soaked in oil. In the primary lessons: In science, materials that soak up water are absorbent (sponge, paper, cloth) and those that do not are waterproof (plastic, rubber) — a classic experiment. In cooking, you soak beans or rice. In everyday life, «soaked» or «soaking wet» means wet all through after rain. Phrases: «soak up», «soaked through», «soaking wet», «leave to soak».

Examples

• On a griddle it shall be made with oil; when it is soaked, thou shalt bring it in; in broken pieces shalt thou offer the meal-offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD. (Torah LEV.6.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour soaked. (Torah LEV.7.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• for the showbread also, and for the fine flour for a meal-offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked on the griddle, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size; (Writings 1CH.23.29, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: soaked. «Soaked» and «soaking wet» are adjectives meaning very wet. Do not confuse with «soap». «Soak up» = absorb.