Spanish word

absorber

Pronunciation

IPA/aβsoɾˈβeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbabsorb

Example

La esponja absorbe el agua.

The sponge absorbs the water.

Illustration for absorber (absorb)

More examples

Necesito absorber la información antes de la reunión.

I need to absorb the information before the meeting.

Core concept

Cloth soaking up spilled coffee.

Common phrases

  • absorber la información

    absorb the information

  • absorber la humedad

    absorb moisture

  • absorber el impacto

    absorb the impact

Similar words

beber: Swallows liquid taken into the mouth to drink.
tomar: Takes a drink; consumes a beverage orally.
chupar: Draws liquid or air by suction with the mouth or an instrument.
sorber: Draws up liquid a little at a time with the mouth, often making a noise.

Definition in Spanish

Tomar y mantener dentro de sí un líquido, una sustancia o una influencia, de modo que deje de estar fuera.

Word origin

From Latin absorbere, composed of ad- 'to' + sorbere 'to suck', the verb develops the sense 'take in and hold', first for liquids and then for substances or influences.

Usage tips

  • When used with costs or responsibilities, absorber commonly means 'to cover' or 'to take on', so La empresa absorbe los gastos means the company pays them.

Other meanings

  • soak upverb
  • take inverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word