alchemist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Historical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “alchemist” mean?
A person who practices alchemy—the medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aimed at transmuting base metals into gold, discovering a universal cure for disease, and finding the elixir of life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who practices alchemy—the medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aimed at transmuting base metals into gold, discovering a universal cure for disease, and finding the elixir of life.
Figuratively, someone who transforms or creates something valuable or seemingly magical through a mysterious or ingenious process, often from ordinary materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations—historical mystery, transformation, pseudoscience, or figurative ingenuity.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily found in historical, literary, or specialized figurative contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “alchemist” in a Sentence
alchemist + of + [substance/art]alchemist + in + [field/location]alchemist + who/that + clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alchemist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He attempted to alchemise lead into gold.
- They hoped to alchemise their ideas into a bestseller.
American English
- She tried to alchemize her pain into art.
- The team aimed to alchemize data into a winning strategy.
adverb
British English
- The substance was treated alchemically.
- He worked almost alchemically to transform the project.
American English
- She approached the task alchemically, seeking a miraculous solution.
- The elements combined alchemically.
adjective
British English
- The alchemical texts were heavily illustrated.
- He had an alchemical approach to problem-solving.
American English
- Alchemical symbols covered the manuscript.
- Her process was almost alchemical in its complexity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The CEO was an alchemist, turning failing divisions into profitable ones.'
Academic
Historical/Literary studies: 'The influence of the alchemist Paracelsus on early modern science.'
Everyday
Rare. If used, figurative: 'My grandmother is a kitchen alchemist with leftovers.'
Technical
History of Science/Chemistry: 'Medieval alchemists developed early laboratory apparatus.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alchemist”
- Misspelling: 'alchamist', 'alchemest'.
- Confusing with 'chemist' (modern scientist).
- Using plural 'alchemists' incorrectly as a collective noun for the practice (the practice is 'alchemy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, alchemy is the precursor to chemistry, but modern chemists are empirical scientists, whereas alchemists (historically) blended science, philosophy, and mysticism.
Yes, figuratively it is often a compliment, suggesting someone can create something valuable or wonderful from ordinary things (e.g., 'a social alchemist').
Two primary goals: creating the Philosopher's Stone (to transmute base metals into gold) and discovering the Elixir of Life (for immortality).
No, it is a low-frequency word. It appears mostly in historical, literary, or specialised figurative contexts, not in casual conversation.
A person who practices alchemy—the medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aimed at transmuting base metals into gold, discovering a universal cure for disease, and finding the elixir of life.
Alchemist is usually formal, literary, historical, figurative in register.
Alchemist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælkəmɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælkəmɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn lead into gold (derived from alchemy)”
- “philosopher's stone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALCHEmist tries to change CHEMicals.' Links to 'chemistry'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRANSFORMATION IS ALCHEMY / A PERSON WITH SPECIAL POWERS IS AN ALCHEMIST
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the *figurative* meaning of 'alchemist'?