seep
seep — verb
- seeppresent simple I / you / we / they
- seepshe / she / it
- seepedpast simple
- seeping-ing form
1. When a liquid, gas, or smell passes slowly through small holes, cracks, or porou
When a liquid, gas, or smell passes slowly through small holes, cracks, or porous material, it seeps.
After the heavy rain, water seeped through a crack in the basement wall.
seep + through + crack/opening
The smell of smoke seeped into the living room from the garden fire.
seep into [place] (of smells)
Oil had seeped out of the engine onto the garage floor.
Rainwater seeped through the tent's thin fabric and soaked their sleeping bags.
Toxic chemicals seeped slowly into the river from the factory.
- gush
to flow out rapidly and in large quantity
文法句型
seep + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Never takes a direct object. The subject is typically a fluid, gas, odour, or abstract quality that moves gradually.
常見錯誤
seep — noun
1. A spot on the ground where underground water, oil, gas, or tar naturally oozes t
A spot on the ground where underground water, oil, gas, or tar naturally oozes to the surface, often leaving a damp or stained patch.
The construction crew discovered a water seep while digging the foundation.
water seep in construction context
Geologists mapped several oil seeps in the desert region to find potential drilling sites.
oil seep + purpose clause
A small seep of methane gas was detected in the marshland.
The farmer drained the muddy seep to keep his cattle safe.
The tar seep near the museum has preserved animal bones for thousands of years.
文法句型
a seep [of + substance]
用法筆記
More specific than 'spring' — a seep does not produce a flowing stream, only a slow oozing of fluid.
2. A small water source where fresh water slowly oozes from the ground, often used
A small water source where fresh water slowly oozes from the ground, often used for drinking by people or wildlife in dry areas.
The only water source for miles was a small seep among the rocks.
seep as water source
Nadia collected drinking water from a clear seep on the hillside.
Sumin found a seep that provided fresh water for the camp.
The desert seep dried up during the long summer months.
Wild animals gathered at the seep to drink at dawn.
用法筆記
Often describes a seasonal or very small water source, especially in dry areas.
3. The slow movement of a liquid or gas through small openings or porous material.
The slow movement of a liquid or gas through small openings or porous material.
The seep of groundwater into the basement damaged the floorboards.
the seep of [substance] into [place]
Engineers measured the seep of oil from the damaged pipeline to estimate repair costs.
the seep of [substance] + purpose clause
A slow seep of rainwater through the roof caused the ceiling to stain.
The basement walls were coated with sealant to prevent moisture seep.
Constant seep from the river bank eroded the soil over time.
- seepage
seepage is more common in formal/technical writing, but both mean the same process
- leakage
a more general term; 'leakage' can be fast or slow
- infiltration
more technical; often used in hydrology or engineering
文法句型
the seep of [substance]
用法筆記
Uncountable — use 'a seep' (countable) for the physical spot and 'seep' (uncountable) for the process. Frequently used in technical or engineering contexts.