sink in
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): 1. To be understood or realized, especially after a period of time: To become clear in one's mind or to be fully comprehended, often gradually. 2. To be absorbed or to penetrate: (Less common) To pass into or through something.
Usage
The phrasal verb "sink in" is intransitive and is most frequently used to describe the process of understanding or accepting information, especially when it is surprising, complex, or emotional. It emphasizes a delay between hearing something and truly grasping its meaning or implications.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to let something sink in": To pause and allow time for something to be fully understood or felt.
- He told her the truth and then left, giving her space to let it sink in.
Variants and Related Words
- Sink (verb): To descend or cause to descend below a surface. (e.g., )
- Soak in (phrasal verb): Can be used similarly to mean to absorb information or an experience. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Register: To be recorded or realized in one's mind.
- Penetrate: To be fully understood or felt.
- Dawn on: To become apparent or understood (as in "It dawned on me...").
- Become clear: To become easy to perceive or understand.
Related Idioms
- The penny dropped: (British English idiom) Means that someone has finally understood something.
- I explained it three times, and then finally the penny dropped.
Verb
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pass through
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Water permeates sand easily
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become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
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It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
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she was penetrated with sorrow
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