dissipate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dissipate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an intransitive verb meaning to gradually disappear or disperse, usually in the form of vapor or smoke. Example sentence: The fog dissipated as the sun rose higher in the sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's as if all has been forgiven – and it serves to dissipate a lot of the tension that had built up at this point.

The Guardian

The social licence to operate, and normalisation that such cultural relationships gift to oil companies, can dissipate the urgency for action and sponsorship can seek to directly influence the climate debate.

The Guardian

Dependent upon how things go on the day, the momentum for further action will build, stagnate or dissipate.

The Guardian - Opinion

To describe the day would dissipate the visual memory.

The Guardian - Arts

Related: Radicalisation in Australia: Muslim leaders work to dissipate 'fixation' with Isis among youths The blog's veracity could not be confirmed, but references to the writer's age and origin in a non-Muslim family in Melbourne line up with reported accounts of the teenager's life.

The Guardian

After all, one of the habitual recognitions of academics, at least in its more critical disciplines, is that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding can so quickly dissipate into meaninglessness.

The Guardian

Perhaps the mistrust he inspires at large may have begun to dissipate.

The Economist

Auxetic seat belts would dissipate a driver's kinetic energy in a crash more effectively than existing designs.

The Economist

Measurable impacts on polls, she says, tend to appear only when there is a clear disparity between one candidate and another on the airwaves, and even then they will largely dissipate within 48 hours.

The Economist

This usually involves having the breaker generate an arc across the contacts with a voltage greater than the line voltage, and then arranging for the breaker to dissipate all the energy in the line until the arc is extinguished.

The Economist

It turns out that transistors in these flash-memory devices are prone to being gummed up with electrostatic charge that they cannot dissipate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissipate" to describe the gradual disappearance of something, like a feeling, cloud, or energy. For example, "The tension began to dissipate as the negotiations progressed."

Common error

Avoid using "dissipate" when you mean something vanishes instantly. "Vanish" or "disappear" are better choices for immediate disappearances, while "dissipate" is ideal for gradual fading.

Linguistic Context

The verb "dissipate" functions to describe the process of something gradually disappearing or fading away. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with examples showcasing its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissipate" is a versatile verb used to describe the gradual disappearance or reduction of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To ensure accurate usage, remember that "dissipate" implies a gradual process, distinguishing it from words like "vanish" that suggest immediate disappearance. By understanding its nuances and context-specific applications, you can effectively incorporate "dissipate" into your writing. The analyzed examples further illustrate its proper usage, making it easier to grasp its meaning and application in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disperse

Similar to "dissipate", but often implies a more forceful or active spreading out.

fade away

Implies a gradual loss of visibility or audibility, similar to "dissipate" but often used in a more figurative sense.

vanish

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance, whereas "dissipate" implies a more gradual process.

melt away

Suggests a gradual disappearance as if something is melting, slightly different from the general dispersion indicated by "dissipate".

evaporate

Specifically refers to the change of a liquid into a vapor or gas, differing from the broader usage of "dissipate".

subside

Refers to the lessening of intensity or activity, distinct from the physical dispersion described by "dissipate".

scatter

Indicates the spreading of something in different directions, distinct from the vanishing aspect of "dissipate".

dwindle

Implies a gradual reduction in size or amount, unlike the dispersal connotation of "dissipate".

wane

Describes a gradual decrease in power, intensity, or extent, differing slightly from the physical dispersion implied by "dissipate".

abate

Describes a reduction in intensity or degree, often referring to something negative like pain or a storm, unlike the broader usage of "dissipate".

FAQs

How can I use "dissipate" in a sentence?

You can use "dissipate" to describe the gradual disappearance of something. For example: "The crowd began to "dissipate" after the concert ended" or "The fog started to "dissipate" as the sun rose higher".

What's the difference between "dissipate" and "disperse"?

"Dissipate" often implies a more gradual and complete vanishing, like the way mist "dissipates" in the sun. "Disperse" suggests spreading out, but not necessarily vanishing. For example, a crowd might "disperse" but the people don't vanish.

What can I say instead of "dissipate"?

Alternatives include "fade away", "vanish", or "evaporate", depending on the context. "Disperse" is also a good alternative when implying something is spreading out.

Is it correct to use "dissipate" to describe feelings?

Yes, "dissipate" can be used to describe the gradual fading of feelings or emotions. For instance, "The initial anxiety began to "dissipate" as the presentation went well".