sponge

• Substantiv, das ein poröses Material bezeichnet, natürlich oder synthetisch, das zum Aufsaugen von Flüssigkeiten und zum Reinigen verwendet wird, oder ein Meerestier mit porösem Körper.

A noun referring to a porous material, either natural or synthetic, used for absorbing liquids and cleaning, or to a marine animal with a porous body.

1. Porous cleaning toolA1formal

   A piece of porous material, originally from a sea animal, used for absorbing water and cleaning.

   Schwamm

   • She used a sponge to wipe the kitchen counter.
   • The sponge soaked up all the spilled water.
   • He squeezed the sponge dry before putting it away.

2. Quick learnerB2informal

   A person who can acquire new knowledge and skills rapidly and easily.

   Schnelllerner

   • The new intern is a real sponge, picking up complex tasks in days.
   • She's a sponge for information, always asking insightful questions.
   • He's a sponge when it comes to languages; he learned Spanish in three months.

   Synonymequick study

3. Dependent followerC1informal

   A person who hangs around others, hoping to gain something without giving anything in return.

   Schmarotzer

   • He's just a sponge, always mooching off his wealthy friends.
   • She's tired of being a sponge and wants to become independent.
   • The party was full of sponges looking for free drinks.

   Synonymecadgerfreeloaderhanger-onleechmoocherparasitescroungersponger

4. Marine animalB1formalscientific

   A simple, primitive aquatic animal with a porous body that lives attached to surfaces in the ocean.

   Meeresschwamm

   • Sponges are among the oldest living animals on Earth.
   • The coral reef was home to many colorful sponges.
   • Scientists discovered a new species of sponge in the deep sea.

   Synonymeporiferan

• Verb, das verwendet wird, um das Abwischen oder Reinigen mit einem Schwamm zu bezeichnen, oder im übertragenen Sinn das Aufsaugen bzw. Erhalten von etwas, ohne etwas zurückzugeben.

A verb used to indicate the act of wiping or cleaning with a sponge, or figuratively, to absorb or take something without giving back.

1. Clean with a spongeA2formal

   To wipe or clean a surface using a sponge, often to remove dirt or moisture.

   Mit einem Schwamm abwischen

   • She sponged the kitchen counter after cooking.
   • He carefully sponged the stain off the carpet.
   • The nurse sponged the patient's forehead with cool water.

   Synonymecleanmopsponge downswabwashwipe

2. Obtain without payingB2informal

   To get something, especially money or food, from others without giving anything in return; to live off others.

   Schmarotzen

   • He's always sponging off his friends for meals.
   • She sponged a free ticket to the concert from her cousin.
   • Stop sponging and get a job!

   Synonymebumcadgefreeloadmoochscrounge

   Antonymeearnpayrepay

3. Erase with a spongeB1formal

   To remove written marks, such as words on a blackboard, using a damp sponge.

   Mit einem Schwamm abwischen

   • The teacher sponged the equations off the board.
   • He sponged the chalk marks clean before the next class.
   • She used a wet sponge to erase the drawing.

   Synonymecleaneraserub outwipe

4. Absorb liquidB1formal

   To soak up or take in liquid using a sponge or similar material.

   Flüssigkeit aufsaugen

   • The cloth sponged up the spilled water quickly.
   • Use a paper towel to sponge the excess oil from the pan.
   • The sponge can sponge up to ten times its weight in water.

   Synonymeabsorbblotmop upsoak upsop uptake up

   Antonymedraindrywring

5. Gather spongesC1formal

   To collect natural sponges from the ocean, typically by diving.

   Schwämme sammeln

   • The divers sponged along the coral reef for hours.
   • They used to sponge in the Mediterranean for a living.
   • Sponging is a traditional occupation in some coastal villages.

Phrasal-Variantensponge downsponge offsponge onsponge up