alkalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “alkalize” mean?
To make a substance more alkaline (less acidic) by adding an alkali.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a substance more alkaline (less acidic) by adding an alkali.
In biochemistry and medicine, to increase the pH of bodily fluids or tissues, often as a therapeutic goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK tends to favour 'alkalise' (with 's'), US uses 'alkalize' (with 'z'). The UK 's' spelling is less common for this specific scientific term, with 'z' often used. The derived noun 'alkalinisation' (UK) vs. 'alkalinization' (US) follows the same pattern.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants.
Frequency
Low-frequency technical term in both varieties, with roughly equal usage in relevant scientific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “alkalize” in a Sentence
[alkalize + object] (e.g., The additive will alkalize the solution.)[alkalize + object + adverb/prepositional phrase] (e.g., They alkalized the pool water to a pH of 8.2.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alkalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Farmers sometimes alkalise acidic soils with lime to improve crop yields.
- The new medication aims to alkalise the patient's bloodstream gently.
American English
- The water filter is designed to alkalize your drinking water.
- To treat the metabolic acidosis, doctors needed to alkalize his blood quickly.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
adjective
British English
- The alkalising properties of bicarbonate of soda are well-documented.
American English
- She follows an alkaline diet, consuming many alkalizing foods like leafy greens.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in industries related to water treatment, agriculture (soil management), and health product marketing (e.g., 'alkalizing' water filters).
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science papers discussing pH regulation.
Everyday
Rare, except in contexts of alternative health, nutrition, and fitness (e.g., discussions about 'alkalizing' diets).
Technical
Core term in chemistry labs, medical treatments for acidosis, and soil science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alkalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alkalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alkalize”
- Confusing 'alkalize' (make basic) with 'neutralize' (bring to pH 7).
- Using 'alkaline' as a verb (e.g., 'I will alkaline the water' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Alkalize' specifically means to make something more basic (pH >7). 'Neutralize' means to bring something to a neutral state (pH =7), which could involve either adding acid to a base or base to an acid.
Both are correct. 'Alkalize' is the standard American spelling, while 'alkalise' is a possible British spelling, though the 'z' spelling is very common in scientific texts worldwide.
This is a concept in alternative nutrition, but mainstream physiology holds that the body tightly regulates its blood pH regardless of diet. Diet can affect urine pH, but not systemic 'alkalization' in the way often advertised.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a common, mild alkalizing agent used in cooking, medicine, and pool maintenance.
To make a substance more alkaline (less acidic) by adding an alkali.
Alkalize is usually formal, technical in register.
Alkalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæl.kə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæl.kə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AL-KALI-ze' – you add an AL-KALI to something to 'ze' (make) it alkaline.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS HEALTH (in nutritional contexts, alkalizing is seen as restoring a healthy balance to an overly 'acidic' body).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'alkalize' be LEAST appropriate?