Sink in
verb
When understanding or realization of something happens slowly.
The reality of what had just happened didn't sink in for a long time.
Often appears as...
- let it sink in
- slowly sink in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
When something physically goes below the surface, like a rock in water.
The boat loaded with heavy supplies started to sink in the lake.
Often appears as...
- sink in water
- sink in mud
verb
When understanding or realization of something happens slowly.
The reality of what had just happened didn't sink in for a long time.
Often appears as...
- let it sink in
- slowly sink in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
When something physically goes below the surface, like a rock in water.
The boat loaded with heavy supplies started to sink in the lake.
Often appears as...
- sink in water
- sink in mud
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Delay
Expression often used when a person doesn't immediately react emotionally to news or events.
It took a moment for the gravity of her achievement to sink in.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing.
Give them time; the news will sink in eventually.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Sense
Used figuratively, not describing physical movement but mental processing.
Her words began to sink in, and I started to comprehend the lesson.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Delay
Expression often used when a person doesn't immediately react emotionally to news or events.
It took a moment for the gravity of her achievement to sink in.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing.
Give them time; the news will sink in eventually.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Sense
Used figuratively, not describing physical movement but mental processing.
Her words began to sink in, and I started to comprehend the lesson.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Delay
Expression often used when a person doesn't immediately react emotionally to news or events.
It took a moment for the gravity of her achievement to sink in.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing.
Give them time; the news will sink in eventually.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Sense
Used figuratively, not describing physical movement but mental processing.
Her words began to sink in, and I started to comprehend the lesson.
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