katalase
C2Technical, Scientific, Formal
Definition
Meaning
To cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst.
To cause or accelerate a process, event, or change, often without being directly involved or consumed in the process.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is derived from 'catalyst.' It typically implies an agent that facilitates change without undergoing permanent change itself. The word can be used in both literal (chemistry) and figurative (social, business) contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British spelling is 'catalyse.' The American spelling is 'catalyze.'
Connotations
Identical in meaning and usage.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to spelling, but the concept is equally common in technical domains worldwide.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP1 catalyse NP2NP1 catalyse NP2 into NP3 (figurative)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific verb]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new CEO's vision catalyzed a complete restructuring of the company.
Academic
The discovery catalyzed a paradigm shift in molecular biology.
Everyday
Her passionate speech catalyzed the community into action.
Technical
The enzyme catalyses the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government hopes the investment will catalyse innovation in the renewable sector.
- Platinum is used to catalyse the reaction in the converter.
American English
- The scandal catalyzed a major review of corporate ethics.
- This protein catalyzes the synthesis of DNA.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
adjective
British English
- The catalysed reaction proceeded rapidly.
- They studied the catalysing effect of the compound.
American English
- The catalyzed process was more efficient.
- She identified the catalyzing agent in the mixture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The manager's encouragement catalysed the team's success.
- The peace talks were catalysed by the intervention of a neutral third party.
- The introduction of cheap solar technology has catalysed a global shift away from fossil fuels.
- Specific metal ions can catalyse the oxidation of organic compounds under these conditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT that ALWAYS (A-L-Y-S-E) causes a reaction when it knocks something off a shelf. The cat *catalyses* a mess.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CATALYST IS A SPARK; CATALYSING IS IGNITING. (e.g., 'Her idea catalyzed the project' maps to 'Her idea sparked the project.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'делать катализ.' Use the verb 'катализировать' carefully, as it is a direct borrowing and may sound overly technical in non-scientific contexts. In figurative use, 'спровоцировать' or 'дать толчок' might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'catalyse' with 'analyse' in spelling. Using it as a noun ('He was a catalyse for change' is incorrect; the noun is 'catalyst'). Overusing in non-technical writing where simpler verbs like 'start' or 'cause' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'catalyse' used most precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun form is 'catalyst.'
No, while its primary and most precise use is in chemistry, it is commonly used figuratively in business, politics, and social sciences to mean 'to cause something to happen more quickly.'
'Catalyse' implies speeding up a process that might have happened anyway, often through an indirect agent. 'Cause' is more general and direct. A catalyst is not 'consumed' in the process it enables.
In British English: /ˈkæt.əl.aɪz/. In American English: /ˈkæt̬.əl.aɪz/. The main difference is the 't' sound, which is softer (a 'flap') in American English.