Soluble
/ˈsɒljʊbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsAble to be dissolved in a liquid, and therefore able to form a solution.
/ˈsɒljʊbəl/
Capable of being dissolved, especially in a liquid.
The powder is soluble in hot water.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have sugar and water. If you put the sugar in the water and it disappears, it's 'soluble'! It means the sugar can mix with the water and become part of it.
👶 For kids: Something that can disappear in water, like sugar in your juice!
More Examples
Sugar is a soluble substance.
The scientists are trying to find a soluble form of the new medicine.
How It's Used
"Salt is soluble in water."
"The drug needs to be in a soluble form to be absorbed by the body."
Of a problem or difficulty, capable of being solved; resolvable.
/ˈsɒljʊbəl/
Relating to a problem that can be solved
The company is sure that the dispute is soluble.
💡 Simply: Like a puzzle you can put together. If a problem is 'soluble', it means it can be figured out.
👶 For kids: Something that you CAN fix!
More Examples
They believed the political crisis had a soluble solution.
This seems a soluble problem with the correct mindset.
How It's Used
"We are confident that the issue is soluble."
From Latin solubilis, from solvere ('to loosen, release, dissolve').
The word 'soluble' appeared in the late 16th century, initially connected with the context of dissolving in a liquid, reflecting the increasing understanding of chemistry at the time.
Memory tip
Think of 'solve' - when something is soluble, it's like the liquid 'solves' or breaks down the solid.
Word Origin
"to loosen, release, dissolve"