Definition

Verb (transitive): To absorb or take in through the senses, especially sight or hearing, with great attention, pleasure, or eagerness. It implies being fully engrossed in an experience, often to the point of fascination.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of eagerly and completely absorbing information, a scene, or an experience. It often conveys a sense of deep enjoyment, wonder, or intense focus. The object is typically something pleasurable or captivating to observe or listen to.

Examples

• The tourists stood on the cliff, drinking in the breathtaking view of the ocean.
• She drank in every detail of the ancient painting, mesmerized by its colors.
• The audience drank in the musician's performance, utterly silent and captivated.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Absorption: Can be used metaphorically to describe absorbing an atmosphere or feeling.
  • He walked into the bustling café, drinking in the lively atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Drink (verb): The base verb, meaning to consume liquid. The phrasal verb "drink in" extends this meaning metaphorically to consuming experiences with the senses.

Synonyms

• Absorb
• Devour (with one's eyes/ears)
• Feast one's eyes on
• Soak up

Related Phrasal Verbs

• (None that are direct variants of 'drink in' with the same meaning)

Related Idioms

• Hang on someone's every word: To listen to someone with rapt attention. This is a close conceptual synonym specifically for listening.
  • The students hung on the professor's every word during the fascinating lecture.

Verb

1. be fascinated or spell-bound by; pay close attention to
   • The mother drinks in every word of her son on the stage