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Definition of imbue

imbue

/ɪmˈbjuː/
im · bue
Adjective:imbued
•
Past Simple:imbued
•
Past Participle:imbued
•
Present Participle:imbuing
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imbue Lexical Profile

imbue Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To inspire or permeate with a profound feeling, quality, or ideal.

Example

"The mentor sought to imbue her students with a lifelong curiosity about the natural world."

2

To saturate, soak, or dye thoroughly with a liquid, moisture, or color.

Example

"The artisan used natural mineral pigments to imbue the raw silk with a deep indigo hue."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for imbue
Antonyms
View all antonyms for imbue

Word Nuance & Usage

'Imbue' is almost always followed by the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'imbue a work with meaning') and is frequently used in the passive voice ('imbued with'). Do not confuse it with 'endue', an archaic verb meaning to endow or clothe with a quality.

• Rhymes for imbue

• Nearby Words

imbecilic
imbiber
imbrex
imbue
imitate
imitation
imitative

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'imbuere', meaning 'to moisten, soak, or stain', and figuratively 'to instruct or taint', of uncertain ultimate origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Imbue. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/imbue
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