Dilution
daɪˈluːʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process of making a liquid or substance weaker by adding water or another solvent.
daɪˈluːʃən
The action of making a liquid weaker or less concentrated.
The scientist used dilution to reduce the concentration of the chemical.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have really strong juice that's too sugary. Dilution is like adding water to make it taste just right, making it less concentrated and less powerful.
👶 For kids: Making something weaker by adding water or something else.
More Examples
The company faced dilution of its stock as new shares were issued.
The chef made the sauce using dilution to achieve the desired flavor.
How It's Used
"The chemist performed a careful dilution of the acid solution."
"The nurse prepared the medication by dilution with sterile water."
"Share dilution can occur when a company issues new shares."
The weakening of a substance, idea, or process, often by the introduction of something less valuable or potent.
daɪˈluːʃən
The action of making something less effective or less potent.
The company's brand suffered from dilution after expanding into too many markets.
💡 Simply: When you dilute something, you're making it less powerful or effective. Like if you have a great idea, and then share it with too many people, it might lose its impact.
👶 For kids: Making something less strong or good.
More Examples
The strength of the protest was lessened by the dilution of its message.
The artist felt his vision experienced dilution when others interfered with his creative process.
How It's Used
"The political campaign's message suffered from dilution due to the many different spokespeople."
"Trademark dilution can occur when a famous mark is weakened by the use of a similar mark."
Idioms & expressions
dilution of labor
The process of assigning tasks requiring less skill or training to workers, often to reduce labor costs.
"The company implemented a dilution of labor strategy to cut expenses."
brand dilution
The weakening of a brand's image or value due to factors like overextension or inconsistent messaging.
"The company feared that the new product line would cause brand dilution."
From Latin *dilutio*, meaning 'a washing away, weakening'. It's derived from the verb *dīluō*, meaning 'to wash away, dilute', from *dis-* (apart) + *luō* (to wash).
The term 'dilution' has been used since the 17th century, initially in the context of chemical processes and gradually extending to figurative uses.