Definition

A process where a liquid moves through a barrier to balance concentrations on both sides, or a gradual way of learning or absorbing information without direct effort.

Example

She learned the language by osmosis while living in the country.

Conversation

I heard you picked up some Spanish while living in Mexico.

Yeah, it was mostly through osmosis from my neighbors and friends.

That's impressive! I wish I could learn like that.

It really works; sometimes you just absorb the language without even trying.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Osmosis → It is formed from "osmo-" (from Greek "ōsmos", meaning push or impulse) and "-sis" (a suffix used in biology to indicate a process). The word "osmosis" refers to the process of movement or flow, particularly of water through a semipermeable membrane.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for push or impulse ('ōsmos') to remember that osmosis is about the movement of water or substances through a barrier.

Visually Confused Words