soak

To leave something in liquid until the liquid gets into it thoroughly.

• Soak the beans overnight.
• She soaked a sponge in warm water.
• Have you soaked the rice yet?

How to use it: soak something in something (Soak the bread in milk before using it.)

Similar words: steep

Common phrases: soak the beans, soak in something, soak a sponge

To stay in liquid for a while and become very wet.

• I like to soak in the bath.
• The beans soaked all night.
• Let the clothes soak for an hour.

How to use it: soak in something (The beans need to soak in water overnight.)

Common phrases: soak in water, soak in something, soak overnight

To leave cloth or clothing in water for a while, usually to clean it.

• Soak the shirt before washing it.
• She soaked the curtains in soapy water.
• Can I soak these towels overnight?

How to use it: soak something in something (Soak the cloth in warm water.)

Common phrases: soak a shirt, soak dirty clothes, soak in water

A period of sitting in water or leaving something in liquid.

• I had a long soak.
• A hot soak eased her tired muscles.
• Give the beans a soak before cooking.

How to use it: a soak in something (A soak in warm water helped my feet.)

Similar words: bath

Common phrases: a long soak, a hot soak, have a soak