dissolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dissolve' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of something becoming less solid, or the process of something coming to an end. For example: "The old team quickly dissolved when the main leader quit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whisk the sugar into the lime juice to dissolve, then add the remaining ingredients.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heavier sensations dissolve from the body and awareness sharpens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nor will disastrous byelection, European and local government election results force the prime minister, Brian Cowen, to dissolve his government and go to the country.

The Guardian

Once I start, the tent poles of my day dissolve.

The Guardian

Serves 20. 10 x bottle of Hall & Woodhouse pickled partridge beer or any good dark ale 5 egg yolks 5 tsp white sugar 2 tsp nutmeg 1 cinnamon stick 1 dry red chillies 10 cloves 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground ginger Heat the beer and the spices in a large saucepan until the ground spices dissolve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Al-Qaida and its sympathisers may yet prevail in the country-wide Hobbesian strife, or Yemen may dissolve into anarchy, like nearby Somalia.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an ideologically divided world, social media's ability to dissolve spin and propaganda becomes relative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any potential leftwing government will be highly constrained; its budget could be vetoed by the (Fidesz-staffed) budgetary council, upon which the (Fidesz-appointed) president can dissolve parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then simmer for about 10 minutes, until syrupy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The increased ocean acidity actually starts to dissolve the corals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stir in the sugar to dissolve, then strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; the basil, lemon skin and vanilla pod can now be discarded.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissolve" to describe the process of a solid becoming liquid, or to describe something gradually disappearing. For example, "The sugar dissolved in the water" or "His anger dissolved as he listened to the music".

Common error

Avoid using "dissolve" when you mean to "resolve" a problem or issue. "Dissolve" refers to disintegration or liquefaction, while "resolve" means to find a solution or make a firm decision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissolve" is as a verb, indicating the process of something becoming liquefied, disintegrated, or terminated. It can also function as a noun in film, referring to a transition effect. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dissolve" is a versatile verb with multiple meanings, ranging from liquefaction to termination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "dissolve", be mindful of its specific meaning to avoid confusion with similar words like "resolve". With its varied applications, "dissolve" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disintegrate

Indicates a breaking apart or decay into smaller fragments or components.

disband

Refers to the formal termination of a group, organization, or assembly.

break up

Implies a separation into smaller parts or components, often in a more forceful or abrupt manner.

terminate

Implies a formal ending or conclusion, often in legal or contractual contexts.

fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or decline, often used in contexts of visual or auditory perception.

rescind

Denotes the cancellation or revocation of a law, order, or agreement.

abolish

Signifies the formal elimination or termination of a practice, system, or institution.

melt away

Specifically refers to the process of changing from a solid to a liquid state due to heat.

nullify

To render legally void or inoperative.

resolve

Indicates finding a solution to a problem or clarifying a doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "dissolve" in a sentence?

You can use "dissolve" to describe something that is broken down and disappears in a liquid, such as "The salt will "dissolve" in the water". It can also be used figuratively, such as "Their partnership began to "dissolve" due to disagreements".

What is the difference between "dissolve" and "melt"?

"Melt" specifically refers to a solid turning into a liquid due to heat. "Dissolve" refers to a substance breaking down and dispersing within a liquid. Ice melts, but sugar dissolves.

What are some synonyms for "dissolve"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "disintegrate", "disband", "fade away", or "break up".

In what context can "dissolve" refer to a group or organization?

"Dissolve" can refer to the termination or disbanding of a group or organization, such as "The committee voted to "dissolve" the partnership".