Imbibe Meaning in English

word

US

ɪmˈbaɪb

im-BYB

UK

ɪmbˈaɪb

im-BYB

Definition

To drink, especially alcohol. It can also mean to absorb or take in ideas or information.

Usage & Nuances

'Imbibe' is formal and somewhat old-fashioned for 'drink.' It's common in literature for both drinking liquids (usually alcohol) and figuratively for absorbing knowledge or ideas. In casual contexts, use 'drink.'

• Spanish: beber - absorber (figurativo)
• Portuguese (BR): beber - absorver (figurativo)
• Portuguese (PT): beber - absorver (figurativo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 饮（酒）- 吸收（比喻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 飲（酒）- 吸收（比喻）
• Hindi: पीना - आत्मसात करना (रूपक)
• Arabic: يشرب - يستوعب (مجازي)
• Bengali: পান করা - আত্মস্থ করা
• Russian: пить - впитывать - усваивать
• Japanese: 飲む - 吸収する
• Vietnamese: uống - tiếp thu
• Korean: 마시다 - 흡수하다 - 받아들이다
• Turkish: içmek - özümsemek
• Urdu: پینا - جذب کرنا
• Indonesian: uống - tiếp thu

Example Sentences

He will imbibe a glass of wine at dinner.

basic

Plants imbibe water from the soil.

basic

Children quickly imbibe new languages.

basic

She loves to imbibe local culture when she travels.

natural

During celebrations, people often imbibe freely.

natural

He tries to imbibe wisdom from everyone he meets.

natural