Definition

Relating to something that is very wet or saturated with liquid.

Example

After the rain, my shoes were soaking and needed to dry.

Conversation

Did you see how soaking wet it was outside today?

Yeah, I got caught in the rain without an umbrella!

I can’t believe you went out in such soaking weather.

I know, right? Next time, I’ll be smarter about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The act of being completely wet or immersed in water, often used to describe something that has absorbed a lot of liquid.

Example

After the rain, my shoes were in a soaking state and needed to dry out.

Conversation

Did you enjoy the soaking we had at the beach yesterday?

It was amazing! I loved how refreshing the water felt.

Yeah, I could stay in that soaking wave all day.

Definition

To be in a liquid for a period of time, allowing the liquid to penetrate or saturate something.

Example

I am soaking the beans overnight to make them easier to cook.

Tense Forms

Conversation

What are you doing with that sponge?

I’m soaking it in some soapy water to clean the dishes.

That makes sense! Do you need any help with the dishes?

Root Explanation

Soaking originates from the verb 'soak' (from Old English 'sōcian', meaning to cause to become wet) combined with the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or process of). The word 'soaking' refers to the action or process of making something wet or saturated with liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'sōcian' which means to make something wet — that's why 'soaking' describes the process of making something thoroughly wet.

Visually Confused Words