French Conversation · Level 28
89 words
French word
absorber
Pronunciation
IPA/apsɔʁbe/
Meaning
- verbabsorb
Example
Ce tissu absorbe la sueur pendant le sport.
This fabric absorbs sweat during exercise.
More examples
La terre absorbe l'eau après la pluie.
The earth absorbs water after the rain.
Core concept
A material or capacity draws something from outside into itself and keeps it there.
Common phrases
absorber l'eau
absorb water
absorber la chaleur
absorb heat
Similar words
retenir: Holding liquid, sound, or information inside rather than allowing it to escape.
éponger: Removing liquid from a surface with a cloth or sponge.
amortir: Dampening the force of an impact or the strength of a sound.
encaisser: Enduring a loss, shock, or cost while limiting its consequences.
Definition in French
Prendre dans son intérieur et conserver quelque chose venu de l'extérieur, au sens concret (liquide, son) ou figuré (coût, information).
Word origin
French absorber comes from Latin absorbere, built from ad- 'toward' and sorbere 'to suck in', and preserves that inward-taking sense.
Usage tips
- French absorber takes a direct object without de, as in absorber un liquide, absorber un coût, or absorber une information.
Related words
- absorptionabsorptionnoun
- absorbantabsorbentadjective
- absorbableabsorbableadjective