synthesize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "synthesize" is a valid and widely used word in written English.
It is used to describe the combining of ideas, objects, or facts into a single whole. For example: "The student synthesized the various components of the project into a single unified outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, a worker using "combinatorial chemistry" techniques can synthesize 1m molecules a year at a thousandth of the price.

The Economist

And the way we confirm with reality is to actually synthesize these player-created designs in the wetlab.

The Economist

Mozart's exposure to Europe's main musical currents led him to synthesize the playful Italian homophonic and operatic style with serious German polyphony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Figure 10 shows, for bacteria that can synthesize 20 amino acids, the way in which they are derived from intermediates of pathways already considered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Choline appears to be an essential nutrient for a number of animals and microorganisms that cannot synthesize adequate quantities to satisfy their requirements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because aldehydes are important building blocks in organic chemistry, they are used to synthesize many other compounds, and there are also many ways to prepare them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The monumental sculptures of the Croatian-born American artist Ivan Meštrović (1883 1962), whom the French sculptor Auguste Rodin once called "the biggest phenomenon among sculptors," synthesize a particularly Croatian national romanticism with the entire European tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to having the ability to synthesize the factors that regulate growth, plants and animals evidently possess exquisite mechanisms for integrating and regulating the production of hormones; i.e., the appropriate amounts of the right hormones are produced at the right time and the right place for normal growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Animals cannot synthesize all vitamins they require; those that cannot be synthesized must therefore be acquired in the diet, either from plants or from other animals that can synthesize the vitamin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After this period, mathematics in the East was under the deep influence of mathematics imported from Europe, which Chinese mathematicians tried to synthesize with traditional Chinese mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is important to note that animal cells cannot synthesize from simple compounds certain necessary complex molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "synthesize" when you want to emphasize the creation of something new and complex from simpler elements, especially in academic or scientific contexts.

Common error

While "synthesize" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "combine" or "put together" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "synthesize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of combining multiple elements into a coherent whole. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows the verb used to connect different ideas and substances, creating more complex entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

34%

Science

33%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "synthesize" functions as a transitive verb denoting the combination of elements into a unified whole, frequently used in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across varied domains, especially encyclopedias and scientific publications. While versatile, consider its formality to prevent misuse in casual communication. Synonyms like "integrate" and "combine" offer alternatives for diverse writing needs. Remember that to "synthesize" is not merely to summarize but to create something new, adding depth and complexity to your articulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrate

Implies combining elements into a unified whole, often with emphasis on harmony.

combine

A general term for bringing two or more things together.

create

Focuses on bringing something new into existence, not necessarily from existing parts.

formulate

Suggests a careful and systematic process of creating something.

develop

Implies a gradual process of growth and improvement.

assemble

Indicates putting together pre-existing components.

compose

Suggests creating a unified work, often in art or music.

merge

Implies blending two or more things into one.

unify

Focuses on bringing different elements into a state of oneness.

manufacture

Specifically refers to producing something on a large scale, often industrially.

FAQs

How is "synthesize" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "synthesize" often refers to combining information from various sources to create a cohesive argument or understanding. It indicates a deeper level of analysis than simply summarizing. For example, you might "synthesize" findings from multiple studies to support a new hypothesis.

What are some synonyms for "synthesize"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "integrate", "combine", "formulate", or "develop" as alternatives to "synthesize".

What is the difference between "synthesize" and "summarize"?

"Summarize" means to briefly recount the main points of something. "Synthesize", on the other hand, involves combining information from different sources to create something new. To summarize is to condense; to "synthesize" is to create.

How do scientists "synthesize" new compounds?

In chemistry, to "synthesize" means to create a substance through chemical reactions. This often involves combining different elements or compounds under specific conditions to form a new molecule with different properties.