alchemy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “alchemy” mean?
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of base metals (like lead) into gold and the search for a universal elixir of life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of base metals (like lead) into gold and the search for a universal elixir of life.
A seemingly magical or mysterious process of transformation, creation, or combination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Both share connotations of mystery, ancient wisdom, and transformative power. Can also imply pseudoscience or futile effort ('the alchemy of turning lead into gold').
Frequency
Comparable frequency; perhaps slightly higher in UK English due to historical context, but not significant.
Grammar
How to Use “alchemy” in a Sentence
the alchemy of [noun phrase] (the alchemy of love)an alchemy of [plural noun] (an alchemy of ideas)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alchemy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They sought to alchemise lead into gold. (rare/archaic)
- The director alchemised the script's flaws into a compelling film. (literary)
American English
- He aimed to alchemize base metals. (rare/archaic)
- Her leadership alchemized team conflict into innovation. (literary)
adverb
British English
- The elements combined alchemically. (very rare/poetic)
American English
- The ingredients reacted almost alchemically. (very rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- The alchemical texts were beautifully illustrated. (historical)
- There was an alchemical process to their creative partnership. (metaphorical)
American English
- Alchemical symbols are complex and mysterious.
- The deal required an alchemical blend of timing and luck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for creating high value from disparate elements, e.g., 'The CEO's report described the financial alchemy behind the merger.'
Academic
Historical study of proto-science, e.g., 'The paper analysed the role of symbolism in Renaissance alchemy.'
Everyday
Rare; used metaphorically for cooking, relationships, etc., e.g., 'There's a special alchemy in their friendship.'
Technical
Mainly historical; specific to history of science or esoteric studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alchemy”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alchemy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alchemy”
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'chemistry' in modern scientific contexts. Confusing 'alchemy' (historical/magical) with 'chemistry' (modern science).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Alchemy was its philosophical and protoscientific predecessor, focused on transmutation and esoteric goals. Modern chemistry is a rigorous, evidence-based science.
Yes, especially in its modern metaphorical sense. It often describes a beautiful, mysterious, or highly effective process of combination or transformation, e.g., 'the alchemy of a great team'.
Using it interchangeably with 'chemistry' in contemporary contexts. While related historically, they are distinct concepts today.
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'the study of alchemy'). It can be used countably in a poetic or metaphorical sense to mean a particular type or instance of such transformation (e.g., 'different political alchemies').
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of base metals (like lead) into gold and the search for a universal elixir of life.
Alchemy is usually formal/literary in register.
Alchemy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælkəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælkəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to perform (some) alchemy”
- “the alchemy of the marketplace (business)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ALCHEMy sounds like 'ALways CHEMistrY', remembering its link to the historical roots of chemistry.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRANSFORMATION IS ALCHEMY (e.g., 'the alchemy of grief into art').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'alchemy' MOST likely metaphorical?