1. Relating to or resembling a sponge: This is the most common meaning. Something spongy has a soft, porous texture like a natural sponge, often with many small holes or spaces. This can describe:
* Materials: A sponge, foam, bread, certain types of cake.
* Objects: A soft cushion, a squishy toy.
* Feel: The feel of a soft mattress, a plush carpet.
2. Soft and yielding: This meaning emphasizes the softness and flexibility of something spongy. For example, a spongy lawn is one that feels soft and gives way underfoot.
3. Lacking in firmness or solidity: This emphasizes the lack of structure or firmness. Something spongy can be weak, fragile, or easily damaged.
4. Figuratively: "Spongy" can also be used metaphorically to describe something that:
* Absorbs easily: "His mind was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge."
* Is weak or lacking in substance: "His argument was spongy and unconvincing."
To understand the specific meaning of "spongy", it's important to consider the context in which it is used.