C1verb2K

Dissolve

UK /["/dɪˈzɒlv/","/dɪˈzɒlvz/","/dɪˈzɒlvd/","/dɪˈzɒlvɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈzɑːlv/","/dɪˈzɑːlvz/","/dɪˈzɑːlvd/","/dɪˈzɑːlvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to mix with a liquid and become part of it

In simple words: To mix something into a liquid until it becomes part of it.

Examples

  • The sugar will dissolve quickly in hot water.
  • Salt tends to dissolve faster when the water is warm.
  • The company decided to dissolve the partnership after several disagreements.
  • The government announced plans to dissolve the legislative assembly.
  • When the tablet is placed in water, it will dissolve completely within minutes.
  • The tension between the two friends seemed to dissolve after they talked openly.
  • The parliament voted to dissolve itself and call for new elections.
  • Ice cubes dissolve more slowly than salt when placed in a drink.

Usage notes

Commonly used in cooking or chemistry contexts. More formal in scientific discussions, less so in everyday conversation. Avoid using in metaphorical contexts unless clear.

Grammar pattern

dissolve + object + in + liquid

Memory hint

Think of 'dissolve' as making substances disappear in a liquid, like sugar in tea.

Collocations

  • completely
  • gradually
  • slowly
  • in
  • completely
  • gradually
  • slowly
  • in
  • formally
  • officially
  • effectively

Synonyms

  • dissipate
  • melt
  • liquefy
  • disintegrate
  • fade

Antonyms

  • solidify
  • freeze
  • coagulate

Common mistakes

  • Using 'dissolve' with an incorrect preposition, like 'at' instead of 'in'.
  • Confusing 'dissolve' with 'solve', which means to find an answer.
  • 'Dissolving' is not used in the passive voice as often as learners might think.