seep
/siːp/ (bre, ipa) · /siːp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsēp/ (ame, mw)
seep — verb
- seeppresent simple I / you / we / they
- seepshe / she / it
- seepedpast simple
- seeping-ing form
1. When a liquid moves at an extremely slow pace through tiny holes, cracks, or por
When a liquid moves at an extremely slow pace through tiny holes, cracks, or pores in a solid surface, or when a smaller amount of liquid escapes from a container or body through a very small opening.
Rainwater *seeped* through the cracks in the old stone wall, leaving damp patches on the floor.
seep + through [porous material]
Thick black oil *seeped* from the damaged engine and spread slowly across the garage floor.
seep + from [leaking source]
After the river flooded, muddy water began to *seep* into the basement through a hairline crack in the foundation.
A sweet smell of jasmine *seeped* through the open window, filling the bedroom with a gentle fragrance.
Blood *seeped* through the fabric of the bandage, so the nurse wrapped another layer tightly around the wound.
文法句型
seep + through [material]
seep + into [container/space]
seep + from [source]
用法筆記
Often followed by a preposition describing the path (through, into) or the origin (from, out of) of the liquid. Can also be used figuratively for abstract things such as smells, light, sounds, or ideas that spread or enter gradually.
常見錯誤
seep — noun
1. A place on or near the surface of the ground where a liquid such as water, oil,
A place on or near the surface of the ground where a liquid such as water, oil, or gas naturally rises from beneath the soil, often gathering in a small pool.
The field team marked the location of the natural oil *seep* on their map and took samples for analysis.
oil seep — technical field context
At the edge of the salt flat, a methane gas *seep* sent tiny bubbles popping to the surface.
文法句型
a/an [adjective] seep
oil seep / gas seep / water seep
用法筆記
Common in geology and environmental science. The compound forms 'oil seep' and 'gas seep' are more frequent than the bare noun.
2. A small natural flow of water that comes up from the ground, usually much smalle
A small natural flow of water that comes up from the ground, usually much smaller than a full-sized spring.
The mountain trail passed a cold *seep* where tired hikers stopped to fill their bottles with fresh water.
seep as water source
In the dry season, the only water source for miles was a tiny *seep* at the canyon base.
文法句型
a seep + of + water/liquid
a/an [adjective] seep
3. The process or result of a liquid moving very slowly through a porous material,
The process or result of a liquid moving very slowly through a porous material, or the amount of liquid that moves in this way.
Constant water *seep* through the limestone had carved a network of caves beneath the hill over thousands of years.
seep + through [material] — geological process
The engineer recommended a waterproof membrane to prevent moisture *seep* into the underground parking garage.
- seepage
the more common term for the process; preferred in technical writing
- leakage
implies a faster or more noticeable escape through a hole
- percolation
describes liquid filtering downward through soil
文法句型
seep + of [liquid]
water seep / moisture seep
用法筆記
This sense overlaps in meaning with 'seepage' — 'seep' (noun sense 3) and 'seepage' are often interchangeable, though 'seepage' is more common in formal or technical writing.