The word 吸收 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a distinct aspect of a unified action. 吸 (xī) primarily means "to inhale" or "to draw in", conveying the active, inward-pulling motion. 收 (shōu) means "to receive", "to gather", or "to collect", emphasizing the subsequent act of taking something in and holding it. Together, they create a composite concept where one first actively draws something inward (吸) and then incorporates or retains it (收), perfectly capturing the full process of "absorption", whether it be a sponge soaking up water, a mind assimilating knowledge, or an organization integrating new ideas.