The words "absorb" and "soak" are often confused because they both describe the process of something taking in liquid. However, there are important differences. "Absorb" usually refers to the process of something taking in a liquid or other substance without becoming wet itself. "Soak," on the other hand, implies that something is completely saturated with liquid and often becomes wet itself.

Think of a sponge. A sponge absorbs water, but it also becomes wet in the process. You could say the sponge soaks up the water as well, but in this instance, the word "soak" highlights the fact that the sponge is now saturated with water. However, if you are talking about the process of a towel absorbing spilled water, "absorb" would be the preferred word, because the towel isn't necessarily completely saturated with the liquid.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Absorb: The dry earth absorbed the rainwater. (The earth took in the water, but didn't become 'wet' in the same way something soaked would.)

• Absorb (Translation): The dry soil took in the rainwater. (The meaning stays the same, but the wording is changed for better understanding.)

• Soak: I soaked the beans overnight to make them softer. (The beans were completely submerged in water and became saturated.)

• Soak (Translation): I put the beans in water for the whole night to make them softer. (The meaning stays the same, but the wording is changed for better understanding.)

• Absorb: My new jacket is designed to absorb sweat. (The jacket takes in sweat but doesn't become visibly wet.)

• Absorb (Translation): My new coat is made to take in sweat.

• Soak: Don't soak the shirt for too long, or the colors will run. (The shirt will become completely saturated with water.)

• Soak (Translation): Do not put the shirt in water for too long, or the colors will run.

Happy learning!