absorb

To take liquid into a material, rather than leave it on the surface.

• The towel absorbed the water.
• Dry soil can absorb a lot of rain.
• Does this cloth absorb oil?

Similar words: soak up, take in

Common phrases: absorb water, absorb moisture, absorb liquid

To take in and use something, such as information or energy.

• I need time to absorb this information.
• Dark surfaces absorb more heat.
• She absorbed everything the teacher explained.

Similar words: take in

Common phrases: absorb information, absorb energy, absorb heat, absorb knowledge

To pay a cost yourself instead of making someone else pay it.

• The company will absorb the extra cost.
• We absorbed the delivery charges ourselves.
• Small shops cannot absorb such large losses.

Similar words: cover, bear

Common phrases: absorb costs, absorb the charge, absorb losses

To use up someone's time or effort completely.

• The project absorbs all my time.
• House repairs absorbed most of our energy.
• These small tasks can absorb hours.

Similar words: take up, consume

Common phrases: absorb someone's time, absorb resources, absorb effort