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sorptive

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈsɔːrptɪv/

KK: /ˈsɔːrptɪv/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the process of sorption, which is the absorption or adsorption of substances.


Example

The sorptive properties of the material make it ideal for filtering pollutants from water.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some materials are really sorptive?
Sloth B
Yeah, I've heard of that! It means they can absorb things, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I was reading about how sorptive materials are used in filters.
Sloth B
That makes sense; they must be great for cleaning water or air.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
absorbent
permeable
spongy
Antonyms
impermeable
nonabsorbent
repellent
Root Explanation

**Sorptive** → It is formed from "sorpt" (from Latin *sorbere*, meaning to suck in or absorb) and "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "sorptive" describes something that has the nature of absorbing or sucking in.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'absorbs' ('sorpt') — that's why 'sorptive' means having the ability to absorb.

Visually Confused Words
resorptive
adsorptive
absorptive
sportive
sortie
ortive
optive
scriptive
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