Dissolved

dɪˈzɒlvd

verbBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To mix with a liquid and become part of it; to cause a solid to become liquid.

dɪˈzɒlv

verbneutralBeginner
General

To become or cause to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution.

The aspirin dissolved in the glass of water.

💡 Simply: Imagine putting a sugar cube in your tea. Dissolving is like the sugar disappearing as it mixes with the water and you can't see it anymore. It's like the sugar is becoming part of the tea!

👶 For kids: To mix something like sugar or salt into water until you can't see it anymore.

More Examples

2

The ice cream dissolved quickly in the hot sun.

3

Stir the powder until it dissolves completely.

How It's Used

Chemistry

"The sugar dissolved in the warm water."

Culinary

"Stir until the salt dissolves."

2

To officially bring an organization or gathering to an end.

dɪˈzɒlv

verbformalmedium
Business

To formally end or dismiss (an assembly, partnership, or official body).

The court dissolved the marriage.

💡 Simply: Imagine a club you're a member of suddenly closing down. Dissolving is like officially stopping a group from existing, like a club, a company, or even a government. It's like the final meeting is over and everyone goes their separate ways.

👶 For kids: To stop something from working or being together, like a club ending.

More Examples

2

The parliament was dissolved and new elections were called.

3

After the scandal, the board of directors decided to dissolve the company.

How It's Used

Politics

"The king dissolved the parliament after the scandal."

Business

"The company was dissolved due to bankruptcy."

Tip:Think of a meeting suddenly ending and people leaving; it's like the group has dissolved.
3

To fade away or disappear gradually; to become weaker or less important.

dɪˈzɒlv

verbneutralmedium
General

To disappear or fade away.

The image slowly dissolved into darkness.

💡 Simply: Imagine a scary shadow slowly fading away in the sunlight. Dissolving can also mean something like worries or fears just disappearing over time. It's like they're losing their shape and strength, and finally vanishing away.

👶 For kids: To go away slowly, like a cloud disappearing.

More Examples

2

The argument dissolved when they realized they were both wrong.

3

Her anger dissolved as she listened to his explanation.

How It's Used

Literary

"The fog dissolved, revealing a beautiful landscape."

Figurative

"The tension between them dissolved after they talked."

Tip:Think of clouds disappearing on a sunny day.

Idioms & expressions

dissolve into tears

To start crying uncontrollably.

"She dissolved into tears when she heard the bad news."

From Middle English *dissolven*, from Old French *dissoudre* (13th c.), from Latin *dissolvere* 'to loosen, dissolve', from *dis-* 'apart' + *solvere* 'to loosen, untie'.

Used since the 13th century with similar meanings related to breaking apart, ending, or incorporating a solid into a liquid.

Memory tip

Think of the sugar cube disappearing in your tea; it's dissolving!

Word Origin

Root: solvere

disolveddissolvddissolves

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written