1 B1 neutral
Of a liquid: to be absorbed slowly into a surface or material.
"Apply the conditioner and let it soak in for ten minutes before rinsing."
inseparable
soak in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To be gradually absorbed into a surface, or to spend time slowly absorbing an experience or environment.
In plain English
When liquid slowly goes into something, or when you enjoy and really notice everything around you.
What does "soak in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To take time to fully experience or absorb your surroundings, an atmosphere, or an experience.
"We stood at the top of the hill and let the view soak in."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of information or news: to be slowly understood or fully registered mentally.
"He read the letter twice, waiting for the news to soak in."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To soak (be saturated) going inward — relatively transparent.
Actually means
When liquid slowly goes into something, or when you enjoy and really notice everything around you.
Usage tip
Used both literally (liquids absorbing into surfaces) and figuratively (taking in an atmosphere or information). The figurative use is common in American English.
Words that pair with "soak in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
atmosphere surroundings culture sunlight moisture warmth
How to conjugate "soak in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
soak in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
soaks in
he/she/it
Past simple
soaked in
yesterday
Past participle
soaked in
have + pp
-ing form
soaking in
continuous
Hear "soak in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "soak in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "soak in"
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Keep exploring
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