imbibe
im-BYB
/ɪmˈbaɪb/
To drink alcohol or liquids; figuratively, to absorb ideas, knowledge, or culture.
Carries a literary, formal, or playful tone when referring to consuming drinks or absorbing atmosphere.
The story behind the word. From Latin imbibere ('in' + bibere 'to drink'), this root provides the formal verb for taking in liquids. Over centuries, English adopted it for both literal drinking and metaphorical absorption of wisdom or atmosphere.
Word relationships
- quaff: Quaff means to drink heartily and enthusiastically in large gulps.
- sip: Sip means to drink in very small quantities slowly.
- abstain: To voluntarily refrain from consuming alcohol or food.
Commonly confused with
- absorb: Absorb refers generally to taking in liquids or ideas, while imbibe specifically carries strong alcohol or drinking associations.
Word family
- imbibition (noun): The physical absorption of liquid by a porous solid.
Collocations
- imbibe alcohol
- imbibe freely
- imbibe local drinks
Example sentences
- "Patrons gathered in the warm garden to imbibe local craft draughts under twinkling lights." Social evening
- "He sat near the hearth to imbibe both the hot spiced ale and the lively tavern chatter." Literature
Memory hook
IMBIBE sounds like 'in-bib' — picture wearing a bib to DRINK without spilling on your clothes! To drink or absorb.
When not to use
Avoid in casual everyday conversation where simple words like 'drink' sound far more natural.
Fun facts
- The Latin root bibere is also the ancestor of 'beverage' and 'bibulous' (excessively fond of drinking).
Also appears in
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