Imbibe vs. Imbue — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Imbibe generally means to drink, especially liquids or alcohol, whereas imbue suggests infusing or inspiring something with qualities or emotions.
Difference Between Imbibe and Imbue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Imbibe typically refers to the act of drinking, particularly beverages or alcoholic drinks, suggesting a physical intake of liquids. Whereas, imbue means to saturate or permeate something with a particular quality, feeling, or value, implying a more metaphorical or figurative process.
Imbibing can be a social or solitary activity focused on the consumption of liquids for sustenance or pleasure. On the other hand, imbue often involves a transformative process, such as ideas, values, or emotions being absorbed or instilled into something or someone.
While the term imbibe is commonly used in contexts related to drinking, such as at bars or social gatherings, imbue is frequently found in artistic, spiritual, or educational settings where imparting deeper qualities is emphasized.
Imbibe has straightforward, practical implications primarily physical effects on the body. In contrast, imbue carries a broader, often philosophical connotation, affecting attitudes, beliefs, or the essence of objects.
To imbibe is an action that has immediate, observable consequences, such as quenching thirst or becoming intoxicated, whereas the effects of imbuing are more enduring, impacting the character or nature of individuals or items over time.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To drink, particularly liquids or alcohol
To infuse, inspire, or saturate with qualities
Usage Context
Social events, personal consumption
Artistic, spiritual, educational contexts
Connotation
Physical intake and effects
Metaphorical infusion of qualities
Implications
Immediate and observable
Long-term and transformative
Common Phrases
Imbibe a drink, Imbibe spirits
Imbue with spirit, Imbue values
Compare with Definitions
Imbibe
To absorb traditional practices or culture.
Visitors imbibed the local culture during the festival.
Imbue
To saturate art with specific emotions or qualities.
The artist imbued his paintings with sadness.
Imbibe
To consume liquids by drinking.
They imbibed cold lemonade on the hot summer day.
Imbue
To instill certain values or ethics.
Parents strive to imbue their children with good morals.
Imbibe
Drinking in a social setting.
Social imbibing is often part of celebrating.
Imbue
To infuse with enthusiasm or vigor.
The coach imbued the team with a fighting spirit.
Imbibe
Informally, to absorb or take in information.
She imbibed every word of her mentor.
Imbue
To inspire or permeate with qualities, emotions, or colors.
The sunset imbued the evening with a golden glow.
Imbibe
Imbibe is a magazine published in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is published six times a year.
Imbue
To lend or deepen the meaning of something.
The ceremony was imbued with ancient traditions.
Imbibe
Drink (alcohol)
They were imbibing far too many pitchers of beer
Imbue
Inspire or permeate with (a feeling or quality)
His works are invariably imbued with a sense of calm and serenity
Imbibe
To drink.
Imbue
To inspire or influence thoroughly; pervade
Work imbued with the revolutionary spirit.
Imbibe
To absorb or take in as if by drinking
"The whole body ... imbibes delight through every pore" (Henry David Thoreau).
Imbue
To saturate, impregnate, or dye.
Imbibe
To receive and absorb into the mind
"Gladstone had ... imbibed a strong prejudice against Americans" (Philip Magnus).
Imbue
(transitive) To wet or stain an object completely with some physical quality.
The shirt was imbued with his scent.
Imbibe
(Obsolete) To permeate; saturate.
Imbue
In general, to act in a way which results in an object becoming completely permeated or impregnated by some quality.
The entire text is imbued with the sense of melancholy and hopelessness.
Imbibe
To drink alcoholic beverages.
Imbue
To tinge deeply; to dye; to cause to absorb; as, clothes thoroughly imbued with black.
Imbibe
To drink (used frequently of alcoholic beverages).
Imbue
To tincture deply; to cause to become impressed or penetrated; as, to imbue the minds of youth with good principles.
Thy words with grace divineImbued, bring to their sweetness no satiety.
Imbibe
(figuratively) To take in; absorb.
To imbibe knowledge
Imbue
Spread or diffuse through;
An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
Music penetrated the entire building
Imbibe
To steep; to cause to absorb liquid.
Imbue
Fill, soak, or imbue totally;
Saturate the bandage with disinfectant
Imbibe
To drink in; to absorb; to soak up; to suck or take in; to receive as by drinking; as, a person imbibes drink, or a sponge imbibes moisture.
Imbue
Suffuse with color
Imbibe
To receive or absorb into the mind and retain; as, to imbibe principles; to imbibe errors.
Imbibe
To saturate; to imbue.
Imbibe
Take in, also metaphorically;
The sponge absorbs water well
She drew strength from the minister's words
Imbibe
Take (gas, light or heat) into a solution
Imbibe
Take in liquids;
The patient must drink several liters each day
The children like to drink soda
Common Curiosities
Can imbibe be used metaphorically?
Yes, metaphorically, imbibe can mean to absorb information or culture.
What is an example of imbuing?
An example of imbuing is a teacher instilling curiosity in students.
Is imbibe always related to alcohol?
While often associated with alcohol, imbibe can refer to drinking any liquid.
How does imbue affect art?
Artists imbue their works with emotions or messages that deepen the viewer's experience.
What kinds of qualities can something be imbued with?
Objects or people can be imbued with spiritual, emotional, or intellectual qualities.
How is imbibe used in a social context?
Imbibe is often used to describe the act of drinking socially or at gatherings.
What does it mean to imbibe?
Imbibe primarily means to drink liquids, especially alcohol.
What does it mean to imbue?
Imbue means to infuse something with qualities, emotions, or values.
Is imbuing a quick process?
Imbuing often involves a gradual process of influence or inspiration.
Can one imbibe food?
Typically, imbibe is used for liquids, not solids; eating food is not described as imbibing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
