to drink in
7
5.1
- phrasal verb
- /drɪŋk ɪn/
:
absorber
- An hour later, emerging from the gallery, he drank in the ambience of the street with senses newly tuned.
- drinking in the sights
- drinking in the beauty
- drinking in the view
But what that does is it allows us to drink in this, the environment that we're born into and adapt.
- But what that does is it allows us to drink in this, the environment that we're born into and adapt.
Examples
-
I sit on a mat, drinking in the local culture and hospitality, along with my tej.
Academic text (2004) -
But what that does is it allows us to drink in this, the environment that we're born into and adapt.
-
But what that does is it allows us to drink in this, the environment that we're born into and adapt.
-
Happy beyond comprehension, she drank in the sight of the complex, handsome instrument that had become her life.
Fiction book (1999) -
In the days that followed, Vicky and Cristina drank in the artistic treasures of the city.
-
When I hugged her, I drank in her smells: gardenia perfume, face powder, and hair spray.
Fiction book (2000) -
As the sun set, they paused to drink in the breathtaking view of the mountains.
-
She loves to drink in the sounds of nature while walking in the forest.
-
During the concert, the audience could drink in the beautiful music and vibrant atmosphere.
Synonyms
112
3.1
To give all your attention to something
16
3.9
To take in and enjoy the atmosphere or information
9
7.4
Drink alcohol or absorb ideas and knowledge
Antonyms
How Fully
7
5.1
- US
47
4.1
217
3.0
37
3.2
∞
1.0
299
1.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to absorb or take in fully' is a clear metaphorical extension of 'drink' (ingesting) combined with 'in' (into oneself), so a learner who knows the literal words can often infer the idea of internalizing sensory input. However, the metaphorical shift from literal liquid consumption to 'experiencing/absorbing' is not strictly compositional and may not be immediately predictable for a B1 learner without some exposure, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Drink in comes from the simple image of taking a drink slowly and fully, as if you pull a drink 'in' to your mouth — drink something in. Imagine doing the same with a view or a speech, quietly taking it all into yourself and enjoying it. That's why drink in means 'to look at, listen to, or experience something with great attention and enjoyment'.