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soak in

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When liquid slowly goes into something, or when you enjoy and really notice everything around you.

Literal meaning: To soak (be saturated) going inward — relatively transparent.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (liquids absorbing into surfaces) and figuratively (taking in an atmosphere or information). The figurative use is common in American English.

Commonly used with

atmosphere surroundings culture sunlight moisture warmth

Forms

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

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Synonyms

absorb sink in seep in penetrate take in steep in

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