C1verb1K

Soak

UK /["/səʊk/","/səʊks/","/səʊkt/","/ˈsəʊkɪŋ/"]/US /["/səʊk/","/səʊks/","/səʊkt/","/ˈsəʊkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to put something in liquid for a time so that it becomes completely wet; to become completely wet in this way

In simple words: To make something very wet.

Examples

  • You should soak the beans overnight before cooking them.
  • The rain caused his clothes to soak completely through.
  • Let the dishes soak in soapy water to make cleaning easier.
  • The sponge will soak up all the spilled juice on the table.
  • She likes to soak in the bathtub to relax after a long day.
  • The artist would soak the canvas in water before painting.
  • During the festival, people soak each other with water guns.
  • The cracks in the pavement soak rainwater quickly.

Usage notes

Use 'soak' when you want to describe a process of wetting something. It's appropriate in cooking, cleaning, or describing soaking in a bath. Avoid using it in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

soak + object

Memory hint

Think of a sponge soaking up water.

Collocations

  • completely
  • thoroughly
  • overnight
  • leave something to
  • let something
  • in
  • into
  • through

Synonyms

  • drench

Antonyms

  • dry
  • dehydrate
  • desiccate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'soke', which is not a word.
  • Using 'soak' without an object, e.g., 'I will soak' instead of 'I will soak my clothes.'
  • Mixing up with 'sink', which has a different meaning.