Absorb or absolve?

Two words so similar can cause some confusion. absorb or absolve? After all, which one should we use? Are any of them wrong? Let's clear up this frequent doubt!

The first thing you should know is that these two verbs exist and are correct according to Portuguese language. However, they have very different meanings.

Therefore, "absorb" and "absolve" are paronyms, that is, they have similar spelling and pronunciation, but have different meanings.

With that in mind, let's answer: When should we use each of these words?

The verb absorb it must be used in the sense of consuming, absorbing, concentrating, exhausting, assimilating. Already absolve it means to forgive, to acquit, to excuse.

Check below some synonyms and examples for better understanding.

verb absorb

It is about a direct transitive verb, whose meaning is to retain, to sip substances, to ingest, to consume, to make something disappear, to soak up.

Some synonyms of absorb are: suck, sip, soak, ingest, aspire, consume, exhaust, dissipate, concentrate, capture, incorporate.

Check out some examples with absorb applied in sentences:

• I mopped the floor to soak up the water spilled in the kitchen.
• A healthy diet is essential to absorb the nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the body.
• Pay close attention in class to absorb all the information.

verb absolve

Often used in the legal environment, the verb to absolve is direct transitive and bitransitive. It has the meaning of granting forgiveness to someone, taking away the blame, declaring innocent.

They are synonyms of absolve: acquit, exonerate, discriminate, excuse, forgive, release, exempt, dispense, release, release, pardon.

Note below some examples with absolve:

• The accused was acquitted after the trial.
• In order for the priest to absolve the faithful of their sins, confession must be made.

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