saturate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsætʃ.ə.reɪt/
KK: /ˈsætʃəˌreɪt/
adjective
Definition
Completely filled with liquid or moisture; unable to hold more.
Example
The sponge was saturated with water after being left in the sink.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more saturated
Superlative: most saturated
Conversation
Did you see the colors in that painting?
Yeah, they look so saturated and vibrant!
I love how they really pop out at you.
Exactly! It makes the whole piece feel alive.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
soaked
drenched
imbued
Antonyms
dry
dehydrated
arid
transitive verb
Definition
To fill something completely with a liquid or to cause it to absorb as much of a substance as possible.
Example
The sponge can saturate with water quickly when placed in a pool.
Tense Forms
Past: saturated
Past Participle: saturated
Conversation
I think I might saturate the garden with water today since it's so dry.
That's a good idea! The plants really need it after this heat.
Yeah, I want to make sure they get enough moisture to thrive.
Root Explanation
Saturate → It is formed from "satur" (from Latin, meaning full or filled) and "-ate" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "saturate" means to fill something completely or to soak it thoroughly.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'full' ('satur') — that's why to saturate means to fill something completely.
Visually Confused Words
desaturate
stuprate
maturate
satrae
aurate
unsaturated
dissaturate
spatulate