English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

imbibe

im-BYBE

Imbibe (verb) means to drink something, especially alcohol. Example: “They imbibed rather freely at the reception.”

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verb

1

formal or humorous To drink something, especially alcohol.

"They imbibed rather freely at the reception."

"He does not imbibe, so pour him a lemonade."

2

To take in and absorb ideas, attitudes or knowledge, usually without deliberate effort.

"She had imbibed her father's suspicion of banks."

"Students imbibe the values of the institution long before they can name them."

How to use imbibe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo drink, or to soak up ideas from the people around you.

When to use it

Formal, and often used lightly or ironically when it means drinking.

Memory tip

Imbibe is what you take in; imbue is what someone else fills you with. The two are easy to swap by mistake.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

imbue → ingest → inhale →

Common pairings

imbibe freely imbibe the spirit of imbibe ideas

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

They _____ rather freely at the reception.

Etymology

From Latin imbibere, formed from in- 'in' and bibere 'to drink'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

drink consume sup quaff absorb assimilate take in soak up acquire

Related words

get down clear buy include learn eat lose

Rhymes for imbibe

vibe tribe bribe scribe describe prescribe subscribe transcribe unsubscribe

See all rhymes for imbibe →

Frequently asked questions

Does imbibe always mean drinking alcohol?

No, but it usually implies it. Because the word is grander than 'drink', writers reach for it when the drinking is social or slightly excessive, so 'he imbibed' will normally be read as alcohol unless you say otherwise.

What is the difference between imbibe and absorb?

Absorb is the neutral, general word for taking something in. Imbibe is more formal and suggests drinking something in, so with ideas it implies you took them on gradually and unconsciously rather than by studying.

What is the meaning of imbibe?

"imbibe" (verb) means to drink something, especially alcohol.

What is another word for imbibe?

Other words for "imbibe" include drink, consume, sup, quaff, absorb, assimilate.

People also searched

get down clear buy include learn eat lose

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial