Absorption — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /əb-ˈsȯrp-shən/ ab·sorp·tion

Meaning & Definition of Absorption

Absorption (noun)

  1. the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed
  2. interception of radiant energy or sound waves
  3. entire occupation of the mind

Absorption (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a focusing of the mind on something

    "forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system"

    similar: attention, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion
    related: fixation, obsession, preoccupation, alertness, application, awareness, consciousness, consideration, heedfulness, intentness, raptness, regard, contemplation, meditation, musing, pondering, rumination
    opposite: inattention
    near: absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, detachment, distraction, obliviousness, remoteness, unawareness, unconsciousness, withdrawal, disinterest, indifference, mindlessness, unconcern, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderment, confusion

Related Entry: Self-absorption (noun)

Self-absorption is a different word from Absorption. The synonyms below are for self-absorption, not for absorption.

  1. excessive interest in oneself

    "the novel's major characters all suffer from self-absorption, and they are every bit as insufferable as such people are in real life"

    similar: egocentricity, egocentrism, egoism, egomania, egotism, narcissism, navel-gazing, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-interest, self-involvement, self-preoccupation, self-regard, selfishness, selfness
    related: complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-importance, self-indulgence, self-love, self-partiality, self-respect, self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity, self-assumption, self-consequence, self-content, self-contentment, self-glorification
    opposite: self-abandonment, self-forgetfulness, selflessness, unselfishness
    near: altruism, generosity, magnanimity, self-sacrifice, detachment, disinterestedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, self-flagellation, self-annihilation, self-immolation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Absorption

The most common words with a similar meaning to Absorption:

attention, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Absorption

Words with the opposite meaning of Absorption:

inattention

Related Words for Absorption

fixation, obsession, preoccupation, alertness, application, awareness, consciousness, consideration, heedfulness, intentness, raptness, regard, contemplation, meditation, musing, pondering, rumination

Near Antonyms of Absorption

absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, detachment, distraction, obliviousness, remoteness, unawareness, unconsciousness, withdrawal, disinterest, indifference, mindlessness, unconcern, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderment, confusion

Word Forms of Absorption

Derived words: absorptive (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Absorption

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First known use: 1597

Words & Phrases Containing Absorption

absorption band, absorption line, absorption spectrum, self-absorption

Frequently Asked Questions about Absorption

What does "Absorption" mean?

"Absorption" means the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed. As a noun, it is defined as: the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed.

What is another word for "Absorption"?

Other words for "Absorption" include attention, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment and immersion. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Absorption" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Absorption"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Absorption". Common alternatives include attention, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment and immersion.

What is the opposite of "Absorption"?

Antonyms of "Absorption" include inattention. Near antonyms include absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness and abstraction.

How do you use "Absorption" in a sentence?

Examples of "Absorption" in a sentence: "forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system".

Is "Absorption" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Absorption" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Absorption"?

"Absorption" is pronounced /əb-ˈsȯrp-shən/ and divided into syllables as ab·sorp·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Absorption"?

"Absorption" comes from borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns. First known use: 1597.