absorbent
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //əbˈsɔːrbənt//
KK: /əbˈsɔrbənt/
adjective
Definition
Able to soak up liquids or moisture easily.
Example
The absorbent material quickly soaked up the spilled water.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more absorbent
Superlative: most absorbent
Conversation
I just bought some new towels that are really absorbent.
That sounds great! I hate it when towels don't dry properly.
Yeah, these are perfect for the beach; they soak up so much water.
Nice! An absorbent towel makes a huge difference after swimming.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sorbent
spongy
soaking
Antonyms
impermeable
nonabsorbent
dry
noun
Definition
A material that can take in liquids or gases, making it useful for soaking up spills or moisture.
Example
The absorbent material quickly soaked up the spilled water.
Conversation
Have you ever used an absorbent towel for cleaning spills?
Yeah, they really work well to soak up all the water.
I just bought one, and it’s amazing how quickly it dries things.
Root Explanation
Absorbent is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "sorbēre" (meaning to suck or swallow). The word describes a material that sucks or takes in moisture away from its surface.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'sucks away' moisture — 'ab-' means away, and 'sorbēre' means to suck.
Visually Confused Words
unabsorbent
adsorbent
sorbent
preabsorbent
nonabsorbent
coadsorbent
absent