absorbing

[ ab-sawr-bing, -zawr- ]

adjective

1. extremely interesting; deeply engrossing:

   an absorbing drama.

absorbing

/ -ˈzɔːb-; əbˈsɔːbɪŋ /

adjective

1. occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping

Derived Forms

• abˈsorbingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ab·sorbing·ly adverb
• nonab·sorbing adjective
• unab·sorbing adjective
• unab·sorbing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of absorbing¹

First recorded in 1745–55; absorb + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Half a world away, Brenton Tarrant had been absorbing similar ideas and decided to act on them.

From Salon

The hills play an important role in helping to protect the environment, with peatlands throughout them absorbing and storing carbon.

From BBC

TV news organizations are still absorbing what Trump’s return will mean to them.

From Los Angeles Times

When he was young and amid the legends of the day, Jones said he would “sit down, shut up and listen,” silently absorbing lessons he realized he couldn’t possibly get anywhere else.

From Los Angeles Times

The French Senegalese filmmaker returns with a rich and absorbing exploration of the specter of colonialism that continues the enthralling, otherworldly quality of her 2019 breakthrough film, “Atlantics.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arresting
• captivating
• engrossing
• enthralling
• fascinating
• gripping
• interesting
• intriguing
• riveting
• spellbinding