atomise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'atomise' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb meaning to break something down or reduce it to small pieces or particles. For example, you can use the sentence, "The explosion atomised the building into tiny pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A cartomiser is a cartridge that contains e-liquid as well as the technology necessary to atomise it, or turn it into faux smoke.

The Guardian

Instead, the group will atomise the process of writing an article into multiple steps which can be accomplished in isolation.

The Economist

This causes the liquid to atomise into a low-temperature gas.

The Economist

These atomise water with a stream of air, using tiny nozzles arrayed around a huge fan blade.

The Economist

And, boy, does he let you know this in an oh-so-slow delivery of the earlier soliloquies where you could drive a bus through the pauses and where he seems to atomise the speeches a series of discrete effects.

Independent

"The drippings hit the coal and atomise instantly, which you don't get from gas grills," he says.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He is also a vape modifier, or modder, and is doing Clelland a favour: "I'm building him a coil," he says, explaining that the coil atomises the e-liquid.

The Guardian

Now, many people are crammed in reluctant flatshares, but their communal living seems far more atomised.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even though the LSE has a reputation for being a hotbed of political action, everyone is very atomised in their approach.

The Guardian

His pioneering device, launched in 2004, contained a liquid solution of nicotine and propylene glycol that was atomised, on inhalation, inside a cigarette-sized tube.

The Guardian

Human settlements sprang up, and fell into decay; human blood and bones were atomised into earth; from earth even from endless desert sands would come, in time, new civilisations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "atomise" when you want to convey the idea of breaking something down into very fine particles or dispersing it widely, as in the context of liquids or abstract concepts. It adds a scientific or technical nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "atomise" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "break down" or "separate" if the context doesn't require the specific imagery of fine particles or dispersion.

Linguistic Context

Atomise functions primarily as a verb. It describes the process of breaking something down into its smallest constituent parts or dispersing it into fine particles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Books

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Atomise, a verb meaning to break down into fine particles or to fragment, is deemed grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig AI. Occurring commonly in contexts like News & Media, Books, and Science, it denotes both physical processes and abstract analyses. While authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ it, remember to consider the formality of your context before choosing "atomise" over simpler alternatives. Using this word will allow the user to add a scientific or technical nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break down into particles

Focuses on the result of the action, highlighting the fragmentation process.

reduce to fine spray

Specifically refers to turning something into a mist or aerosol.

disperse into droplets

Emphasizes the scattering or distribution of liquid in small particles.

fragment into pieces

Highlights the breaking apart of something into smaller components.

pulverize into dust

Suggests a more forceful and complete breakdown into a powdery substance.

decompose into elements

Implies a breakdown to the most basic parts or constituents.

splinter into fragments

Focuses on the creation of sharp, broken pieces.

isolate individuals

Shifts the focus to separating individuals within a group.

divide into components

Highlights the separation into constituent parts.

dismantle completely

Implies taking something apart piece by piece until nothing is left.

FAQs

How to use "atomise" in a sentence?

You can use "atomise" to describe the process of breaking something down into fine particles, such as "The machine "atomises" the liquid into a fine mist" or to describe breaking an entity in singular elements, like in "The new policies "atomise" the community".

What can I say instead of "atomise"?

You can use alternatives like "break down", "disperse", or "fragment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "atomise" or "atomize"?

"Atomize" is the more common spelling in American English, while "atomise" is preferred in British English. Both are correct, but choose the spelling consistent with your audience.

What does it mean to say that individual rights "atomise" society?

When individual rights are said to ""atomise"" society, it suggests that they fragment social cohesion and solidarity, potentially leading to a more individualistic and less communal society.