dissolve
B2Formal and technical
Definition
Meaning
To (cause to) mix with a liquid and become part of it, disappearing from sight.
To formally end or dismiss something (e.g., an organization, partnership, parliament); to gradually disappear or fade away; to emotionally break down or be overcome.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb encompasses both transitive (to dissolve sugar in tea) and intransitive (the parliament dissolved) uses. It implies a transition from a distinct, solid state to an integrated, often invisible, liquid or terminated state. Figuratively, it suggests disintegration or disappearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling is identical. In parliamentary contexts, 'dissolve Parliament' is used identically in both UK and US political discourse, though the US has no direct equivalent to the UK's regular dissolution.
Connotations
Similar connotations. In business/legal contexts, 'dissolve a company/partnership' is standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in British English due to parliamentary procedure ('dissolution of Parliament'). Otherwise, comparable.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dissolve something in somethingdissolve into something (e.g., tears)dissolve something (transitive)dissolve (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dissolve into thin air”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board voted to dissolve the joint venture.
Academic
The salt will dissolve more rapidly in warm solvent.
Everyday
Stir until the sugar cubes completely dissolve.
Technical
The polymer is designed to dissolve under specific pH conditions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister decided to dissolve Parliament.
- The tablet should dissolve in cold water.
American English
- They had to dissolve the corporation due to losses.
- The image seemed to dissolve into static.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Salt will dissolve in water.
- She watched the sugar dissolve in her tea.
- The company decided to dissolve their partnership.
- The medicine must dissolve on your tongue.
- The government has the power to dissolve the assembly.
- His anger began to dissolve once he heard the explanation.
- The agreement contained a clause allowing either party to dissolve it with six months' notice.
- The cinematic transition saw the cityscape dissolve into a painting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DIS-SOLVE: to 'solve' or loosen something apart (DIS-) into a solution.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDING IS DISSOLVING (e.g., 'The committee dissolved after its work was done.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'resolve' (разрешать).
- In chemical contexts, 'dissolve' is растворяться, not таять (melt).
- In emotional contexts ('dissolve into laughter'), it implies a loss of control, not just starting to laugh.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The company was dissolved out.' (Correct: 'The company was dissolved.')
- Confusing 'dissolve' (mix into liquid) with 'melt' (change from solid to liquid by heat).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary meaning of 'dissolve' in a scientific context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Melt' involves heat turning a solid into a liquid (e.g., ice melts). 'Dissolve' involves a solid mixing into a liquid solvent to form a solution (e.g., sugar dissolves in coffee).
Yes, figuratively. Phrases like 'dissolve into tears/laughter' mean to become so overcome by the emotion that one's composure breaks down.
It is neutral but tends to be used in more formal, technical, legal, or political contexts ('dissolve parliament', 'dissolve a substance'). In everyday cooking contexts ('dissolve the stock cube'), it is standard.
The primary noun forms are 'dissolution' (for ending something formally, e.g., dissolution of parliament) and, less commonly, 'dissolving' (for the process of mixing into a liquid).