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Dissolving: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissolving

 

[dɪˈzɒlvɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

The process of a solid substance becoming part of a liquid by mixing it with a liquid solvent.

Synonyms

liquefying, melting, thawing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolving

Dissolving is typically used when a solid substance breaks down and mixes uniformly with a liquid. This is a common term in chemistry and everyday situations involving substances like sugar or salt in water.

  • Sugar is dissolving in the hot tea.
  • The scientist watched the compound dissolving in the solution.
melting

Melting refers to the process where a solid turns into a liquid due to heat. It is commonly used when talking about ice, metals, and other substances subject to temperature changes.

  • The snow was melting quickly under the sun.
  • She watched the chocolate melting in the saucepan.
liquefying

Liquefying refers to turning a solid or gas into a liquid, often under pressure or heat. It is often used in scientific or industrial contexts.

  • The engineer explained the process of liquefying natural gas for storage.
  • Certain materials liquefy when heated to high temperatures.
thawing

Thawing involves warming something that has been frozen so it becomes soft or liquid. It often applies to food or natural conditions like frozen ground.

  • The chicken is thawing on the kitchen counter.
  • The ground began thawing after the long winter.

Examples of usage

  • The sugar is dissolving in the hot water.
  • The tablet dissolves quickly in water.
Context #2 | Verb

relationships

The act of formally ending a partnership or relationship.

Synonyms

break up, end, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolving

Used in a formal setting, often regarding legal entities like companies or marriages. It implies a formal and complete ending.

  • The company is dissolving due to financial problems.
  • They decided on dissolving their marriage through mutual consent.
end

A versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is neutral and often used when something comes to a natural conclusion.

  • The meeting will end at 3 PM.
  • Their partnership had to end due to trust issues.
terminate

Used in formal or professional contexts, often regarding employment or contracts. It carries a stronger sense of finality and sometimes a negative connotation.

  • The company decided to terminate the employee's contract.
  • They needed to terminate the agreement due to a breach of terms.
break up

Commonly used in informal settings, usually regarding relationships or groups. It often describes the end of a romantic relationship but can be used for any group disbanding.

  • They decided to break up after three years together.
  • The band is planning to break up after their next tour.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to dissolve their business partnership.
  • After many conflicts, they agreed to dissolve their marriage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'dissolvere,' which means 'to loosen' or 'break apart.'
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally used in both a physical and metaphorical sense.

Science

  • Dissolving is a physical change, which means the substance can return to its original form when the conditions change (like evaporating the water).
  • Temperature often affects the rate of dissolving; for example, sugar dissolves faster in hot water than in cold water.

Literature

  • Many poets use the idea of dissolving to symbolize loss, change, or the fading of memories.
  • In narrative storytelling, the act of dissolving can represent the blending of realities or the transformation of characters.

Cultural Practices

  • In some traditional practices, dissolving is seen as a metaphor for letting go of past burdens and embracing new beginnings.
  • Certain cultures use the visual of dissolving in their rituals to signify healing and the release of emotional pain.

Art

  • Artists sometimes represent dissolving in their work to explore themes of transformation and impermanence.
  • The technique of dissolving colors in painting can create a softer transition, eliciting different emotional responses.

Translations

Translations of the word "dissolving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dissolvendo

🇮🇳 घुलनशीलता

🇩🇪 auflösend

🇮🇩 larut

🇺🇦 розчинення

🇵🇱 rozpuszczanie

🇯🇵 溶解

🇫🇷 dissolution

🇪🇸 disolución

🇹🇷 çözülme

🇰🇷 용해

🇸🇦 ذوبان

🇨🇿 rozpouštění

🇸🇰 rozpúšťanie

🇨🇳 溶解

🇸🇮 raztapljanje

🇮🇸 leysing

🇰🇿 еру

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 həll etmək

🇲🇽 disolución

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,009, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.