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Dissolve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ง
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dissolve

[dษชหˆzษ’lv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To mix a solid substance with a liquid until it becomes part of the liquid. The process of dissolving usually involves stirring or shaking the mixture. The dissolved substance becomes evenly spread out in the liquid.

Synonyms

disintegrate, liquefy, melt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolve

Use when a solid mixes completely with a liquid and becomes part of it.

  • Sugar dissolves in water
  • The medicine dissolves in the patientโ€™s stomach
disintegrate

Use when explaining something breaking into small parts or fragments, often into a powder or dust, typically through decay or destruction.

  • The paper began to disintegrate over time
  • The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entering the atmosphere
melt

Use when a solid turns into a liquid specifically by heating it.

  • The ice cream began to melt in the sun
  • You need to melt the chocolate before adding it to the mixture
liquefy

Use when a solid turns into a liquid due to heat or a chemical reaction.

  • The butter will liquefy when you heat it
  • The chemical process can liquefy the solids in the mixture

Examples of usage

  • Add the sugar to the water and stir until it completely dissolves.
  • The tablet will dissolve in the glass of water within a few minutes.
Context #2 | Verb

relationship

To end a legal agreement or a formal relationship, such as a marriage or a business partnership. Dissolving a relationship often involves legal procedures and paperwork.

Synonyms

disband, end, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolve

This word is frequently used for formally breaking up organizations, such as companies, clubs, or councils. It can also mean causing a solid to become part of a liquid.

  • The board decided to dissolve the committee due to inactivity.
  • The sugar will dissolve in the water if you stir it.
terminate

This is a formal term often used in legal, employment, or contractual contexts to describe bringing something to a definitive end. It can have a negative connotation, especially in relation to job loss.

  • The company had to terminate the contract due to non-compliance.
  • Unfortunately, we have to terminate your employment with immediate effect.
end

This is a general term for bringing something to a conclusion or stopping an activity. It is very versatile and can be used in personal, professional, or general contexts.

  • We need to end the meeting by 5 PM.
  • Their friendship ended over a misunderstanding.
disband

This term is often used when a group of people, especially formal groups like teams, bands, or military units, is broken up. It suggests the group will no longer operate together.

  • After years of touring, the band decided to disband.
  • The scout troop will disband after the summer camp.

Examples of usage

  • The couple decided to dissolve their marriage and file for divorce.
  • They agreed to dissolve their business partnership amicably.
Context #3 | Verb

organization

To officially end the existence of a group or organization. It may involve closing down operations, liquidating assets, and notifying members or stakeholders.

Synonyms

disband, dismantle, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolve

When you want to describe the process of ending something gradually, like organizations or physical substances mixing into a liquid.

  • The committee was dissolved after completing its task.
  • The sugar dissolved in the tea.
disband

When a group or organization, especially one that operates together, is formally broken up or dismissed.

  • The band decided to disband after their final concert.
  • The organization disbanded due to lack of funding.
dismantle

When talking about taking something apart piece by piece, such as structures, machines, or systems.

  • The mechanic dismantled the engine to find the problem.
  • The committee aimed to dismantle the old administration system.
terminate

When you refer to ending or stopping something abruptly, often used in formal or official contexts.

  • The employee's contract was terminated due to misconduct.
  • They decided to terminate the project due to budget constraints.

Examples of usage

  • The board voted to dissolve the charity due to financial difficulties.
  • The company decided to dissolve its subsidiary and merge it with another division.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, dissolving is a physical change, not a chemical one, allowing substances to separate while retaining their properties.
  • Temperature affects the rate of dissolving; usually, warmer liquids dissolve solids faster than cooler ones.

Pop Culture

  • In animated movies, characters often dissolve or disappear in magical ways, creating a sense of wonder and mystery.
  • The popular phrase 'dissolve into laughter' means to suddenly start laughing hard, showcasing how emotions can mix and take over.

Psychology

  • The concept of dissolving can be related to emotional processing, where feelings or conflicts may 'dissolve' over time with reflection and understanding.
  • In mindfulness practices, people use techniques to dissolve negative thoughts, focusing instead on positive feelings.

Literature

  • Authors often use the theme of dissolving to describe transformation, such as characters losing their identities or merging with nature.
  • In poetry, 'dissolve' can symbolize fleeting moments, where beauty or feelings fade away like sugar in water.

Origin of 'dissolve'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'dissolvere', where 'dis-' means apart and 'solvere' means to loosen.
  • In the 14th century, the word began appearing in English, evolving in its meaning from breaking down to mixing into liquid.

The word 'dissolve' originated from the Latin word 'dissolvere', which means 'to loosen, break up'. It first appeared in English in the 14th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to separation, mixing, and termination. The concept of dissolution is prevalent in chemistry, law, and organizational contexts.

See also: absolve, dissolvent, insolvency, insolvent, solvability, solvable, solvent, solver, solving, unsolvable.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,886 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.