awash
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈwɔʃ/
KK: /əˈwɔʃ/
adjective
Definition
Covered with water or floating on waves, often used to describe something that is submerged or affected by water.
Example
The beach was awash with colorful seashells after the tide went out.
Conversation
Did you see the beach yesterday?
Yes, it was beautiful, especially with the waves awash on the shore.
I love how the water sparkles when it’s awash with sunlight.
Right? It makes everything feel so serene and refreshing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flooded
immersed
submerged
Antonyms
dry
exposed
bare
adverb
Definition
In a state of being covered or flooded with water.
Example
The beach was awash with colorful seashells after the tide went out.
Conversation
Did you see the beach yesterday?
Yeah, it was so beautiful, awash with colorful umbrellas.
I wish I could have gone; it sounds amazing!
Root Explanation
Awash originates from the Old English 'aweash', meaning to be washed or flooded. The prefix 'a-' (meaning in the state of) combined with 'wash' (meaning to wash) conveys the idea of being in a state of being washed over or flooded.
Memory Tip
Imagine being 'in the state of' ('a-') being 'washed' — that's why awash means to be flooded or covered with water.
Visually Confused Words
wash
wawah
washy
washo
walsh
swash
sawah
raash