Imbue

Imbue Imbue Imbue By Maeve Maddox The old word imbue seems to be taking on new meanings. First let’s look at the only definitions currently given in the OED: imbue (transitive verb) 1. To saturate, wet thoroughly (with moisture); to dye, tinge, impregnate (with color or some physical quality).   2. To impregnate, permeate, pervade, or inspire (with opinions, feelings, habits, etc.). Merriam-Webster concurs: imbue (transitive verb) 1.   to tinge or dye deeply 2. to cause to become penetrated: impregnate, permeate Here are some examples of traditional usage: [Robert] Schuman’s desire to imbue his musical works with the character of literary texts. [Ian Fleming] implemented a strict schedule for his writing [and] meticulously researched facts to imbue his works with realism. helping out with the family businessimbued her with the entrepreneurial spirit The ruling classes and the intellectual elites in the emerging Haitian state remain imbued with French culture.   [When Pickwick is jailed] the lighthearted atmosphere of the novel changes, and the reader is given intimations of the gloom and sympathy with which Dickens was to imbue his later works. The audience got a taste of how  literature imbues  the world with infinite possibilities. Notice that in each example, the verb imbue is used with the preposition with: imbue his musical works with character of literary texts imbue his works with realism imbued her with the entrepreneurial spirit remain imbued with French culture with which to imbue his later works imbues the world with infinite possibilities Because imbue tends to be a literary word, I was surprised to see it used with the preposition to in this sentence on a literary site: Certain writers in the modern day and age use archaic terms such as thy, thee, and wherefore to imbue a Shakespearean mood to their work. I’ve also encountered nonstandard usage of imbue in other contexts: this post is me, taking my own advicein an effort to reveal qualities which I endeavor to imbue in future illustrations. Sadly, many people only know indoor plants for their decorative value and are largely unaware of the many benefits they imbue to those who share their spaces. The first writer seems to be using imbue in the sense of instill; the second, with the sense of impart. A piece of fabric may be imbued with dye. A child may be imbued with feelings, beliefs, and habits of mind. The image is that of a liquid being poured over something that soaks it up. So why are some speakers beginning â€Å"imbue things to†? One possibility could be the new use of imbue as gaming jargon:   Ã‚  How to make an imbue Weapon Imbues and WoD Switching the imbue on your offhand weapon In this context, the noun â€Å"imbue† refers to something added to a weapon to permeate it with certain powers. In gaming-speak, it is possible to imbue powers to an item. Those who imbue items are known as Artificers. Select the enchantment [you] wish to imbue to the item. Imbue is also enjoying popularity as a brand name for various products and enterprises. Imbue Bittersweet Vermouth Imbue Pain Relief Patch Imbue Design Imbue Winterguard Imbue Apparel Imbue Youth Movement Bottom Line: Apart from its use as jargon, imbue is a transitive verb. The preposition used with it is with. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 "Home" Idioms and ExpressionsHang, Hung, HangedProverb vs. Adage