dilute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dilute' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a substance that has been made weaker or less concentrated by adding a liquid, such as water. For example: "I added some water to the sauce to dilute the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would have to dilute or export at least eight tons of low-enriched uranium, leaving it with only 300 kg.

The Guardian

In a further attempt to dilute allegations of a political fix by the Treasury, Macpherson told the committee he had not come under any political pressure to support Osborne's veto when he took the rare and controversial step of publishing his formal advice letter to the chancellor in February.

The Guardian

The question is: will the long list of other exceptions that already include GM food and hormone-fed beef dilute the deal to make it less worthwhile?

The Guardian - Business

I dilute his whisky when I am able to, but not by too much, as he can tell by the taste if it is too watered down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Grieve told MPs: "If we are in fact going to dilute those rights, and present the British public with something which is in fact the convention shorn of some of the protections it affords the citizens, then the consequences for the convention will be catastrophic.

The Guardian

It would be in the interest of smaller countries because it would dilute the influence of bigger nations like Britain while at the same time making Europe a bigger, more coherent, more meaningful, player on the world stage.

The Guardian

If you prefer it less sweet, dilute the lemonade with soda water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I wonder if the existence of more co-productions will dilute the Britishness that makes them so interesting.

The Guardian

The supporters of South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, accused the newspaper of bias for publishing an editorial headlined Vote tactically to dilute ANC power.

The Guardian

They argued: "To set aside one seat for an environmental specialist or for any single attribute or area of expertise would, in our view, not be in the best interests of the company or its shareholders because it would dilute the breadth needed by all directors to make informed decisions for the company".

The Guardian - Business

When using, dilute at around 4 1 with soda water to make fizzy tonic water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dilute" in a scientific context, specify the solvent used for clarity. For instance, state "dilute with water" or "dilute with ethanol".

Common error

While "dilute" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using more common alternatives like "water down" or "weaken" in everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

Dilute primarily functions as a verb, meaning to make something weaker in concentration, force, or purity. As Ludwig AI explains, this can involve adding a solvent to a solution or weakening something abstract, like influence. For instance, "I dilute his whisky".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dilute" is a versatile verb that means to reduce the concentration, strength, or effectiveness of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans across various contexts, from diluting solutions in science to weakening power in politics. The phrase is most commonly found in news media, formal business, and scientific writing. While perfectly acceptable, consider alternatives like "water down" or "weaken" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Remember to specify the solvent when using "dilute" in scientific contexts for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water down

This implies adding water to reduce concentration.

weaken

Focuses on reducing strength or effectiveness.

thin out

Emphasizes reducing density or consistency.

attenuate

Suggests a gradual reduction in intensity.

reduce the concentration

Specifically refers to lowering the amount of a substance in a solution.

lessen the impact

Focuses on reducing the effect or influence of something.

tone down

Implies making something less intense or aggressive.

temper

Means to moderate or soften the force of something.

moderate

To reduce the intensity or extremity of something.

soften

Indicates making something less harsh or severe.

FAQs

How to use "dilute" in a sentence?

You can use "dilute" to describe making a liquid thinner by adding a solvent, or to weaken something. For example, "I need to dilute this juice with water", or "The new regulations will dilute the power of the committee".

What can I say instead of "dilute"?

You can use alternatives like "water down", "weaken", or "thin out" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dilute" or "diluded"?

"Dilute" is the correct verb form. "Diluted" is the past tense and past participle. "Diluded" is not a word.

What's the difference between "dilute" and "weaken"?

"Dilute" often refers to making a liquid less concentrated, while "weaken" generally refers to reducing strength or effectiveness. Although the terms can be similar, "dilute" has a more specific physical meaning.