Vocabulary Spotlight

Bask

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To lie or relax in a warm, pleasant setting; to take pleasure in a favorable situation.

“The lizard basked on the rock, soaking up the warmth of the sun.”

Pronunciation

[bæsk]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Savor
Enjoy
Revel
Luxuriate
Delight

Antonyms

Avoid
Shun
Reject
Escape
Dislike

Related Words

Basker (noun)
Basking (verb)
Sunbathe (verb)

Word Origin

The word “bask” comes from the Middle English “basken,” which meant “to wallow” or “take pleasure in warmth,” likely of Scandinavian origin.

Word Family

Verb: Bask – To lie or relax in warmth.

Noun: Basker – One who basks.

Verb: Basking – The act of relaxing or enjoying warmth.

Mnemonics

Be A Sunny Kid – Helps recall “bask” as enjoying warmth or light, like enjoying a sunny day.

Industry-specific Usage

Biology

In biology, “bask” refers to animals, such as reptiles, lying in the sun to absorb heat, critical for their body temperature regulation.

Tourism

In tourism, travelers often “bask” in the sun at beaches or resorts, enjoying relaxation in warm climates.

Psychology

In psychology, to “bask” can mean to enjoy the satisfaction or praise from achievements, promoting positive self-regard.

In Context

Commonly used to describe relaxing in warmth or enjoyment, “bask” implies pleasure in favorable conditions, like soaking in the sun or celebrating success. It reflects a state of contentment and fulfillment.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following is a synonym of “bask”?

Avoid
Shun
Revel
Escape

“Revel” is correct, as both “bask” and “revel” describe enjoying or delighting in something.

2. Fill in the blank: The tourists enjoyed _______ in the warm Caribbean sun.

avoiding
disliking
shunning
basking

“Basking” is correct, as it refers to relaxing in warmth.

3. In which context would “bask” be least appropriate?

Escaping from danger
Lying on a beach
Enjoying praise
Soaking in the sun

“Escaping from danger” is correct, as “bask” implies pleasure and relaxation, not avoidance.