'imbibe' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imbibere,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'bibere' meant 'to drink.'

'imbibere' transformed into the Old French word 'embiber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imbibe' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to drink,' but over time it evolved to include the absorption of ideas or knowledge.