Pronunciation

(UK), /ˈsoʊkiŋ/; (US), /ˈsoʊkiŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act or condition of being fully submerged in a liquid, typically water, and unable to breathe or function properly until the liquid is removed.

Examples

• The toys on the porch were soaked from the rain.
• The dog got soaked after playing in the rain.

Synonyms

• Wet
• Saturated
• Immersed

Antonyms

• Dry
• Moist
• Humid

Etymology

The word “soaking” has its origins in the 14th century, derived from the Old English word “soki” meaning “to soak” or “to wet”. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concept of being fully submerged in a liquid.

Usage Notes

When using the word “soaking”, it’s essential to consider the context in which it’s being used. For example, in a sentence like “The dog got soaking wet after playing in the rain,” the word is used to describe the state of being fully wet. However, in a sentence like “The cake was soaking in the syrup for hours,” the word is used to describe the action of being submerged in a liquid for an extended period.

Cultural References

The phrase “soaking wet” is often used in popular culture to describe someone who is thoroughly drenched in water, often after having a bath, shower, or being caught in the rain.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Soaking wet
• Sitting soaking wet

Related Words or Phrases

• Drenched
• Wet
• Moist
• Humid

Collocations

• Soaking rain
• Soaking wet clothes
• Soaking up

Frequency of Use

The word “soaking” is relatively common in modern language, particularly in informal contexts. However, its usage can vary greatly depending on the context in which it’s being used.

Common Misspellings

• Soaking is often misspelled as “soakingly” or “soakingly wet”.