What is dissolve? Pronunciation and usage in English

dissolve means . Learn how to pronounce and use dissolve through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dissolve

dissolveverb

/dɪˈzɒlv/
Definition & pronunciation of dissolve

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dissolve" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "dissolve" is typically broken down into three syllables:

  • diss - like "dish" (as in, a plate)
  • olve - this is where it gets a little nuanced

2. The "olve" Part - The Key to the Trick:

The "olve" part is the most challenging. It doesn't sound like a typical English vowel. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Start with a short "o" sound: Think of the vowel in the word "hot."
  • Then add a slight "l" sound: Gently blend the "o" with an "l" sound, almost as if you're saying "olv" very quickly. Don't overemphasize the 'l'. It's subtle!
  • It’s not quite “ell”: It’s not pronounced like “ell” (as in, “tell”).

3. Putting it Together:

  • diss (as in "dish")
  • -olve (a short "o" sound blended with a quick "l" sound – think “olv”)

4. Full Pronunciation:

The whole word is pronounced something like: dis-zolv (emphasis on the first syllable – “dis”)

Tips and Resources:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The best way to learn the subtle sounds is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Practice Slowly: Don't try to rush it. Break it down into syllables and practice each part slowly before putting it all together.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word dissolve in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dissolve" – it's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. To Melt or Break Down (Especially Solids & Liquids)

  • Meaning: This is the most literal meaning. It refers to something losing its solid form and becoming a liquid or a mixture.
  • Examples:
    • "The ice began to dissolve in the warm water." (Melting)
    • "The sugar dissolved completely in the juice." (Breaking down into a solution)
    • "The chocolate bar dissolved on my tongue." (Melting due to heat and contact)

2. To Fade Away or Vanish

  • Meaning: This describes something gradually disappearing or ceasing to exist.
  • Examples:
    • "The color of the paint dissolved in the sunlight." (Faded)
    • "His memory of the event began to dissolve with each passing year." (Faded from memory)
    • "The fog dissolved as the sun rose." (Vanished)

3. To Resolve (A Conflict or Problem)

  • Meaning: This is a more figurative use. It means to bring an end to a disagreement, tension, or problem.
  • Examples:
    • "The diplomats worked tirelessly to dissolve the conflict between the two countries." (Resolve the conflict)
    • "Talking helped to dissolve the tension in the room." (Ease the tension)
    • "He hoped his apology would dissolve her anger." (Solve her anger)

4. (Law/Legal) To Be Officially Disbanded or Cancelled

  • Meaning: In legal contexts, it can mean to be formally terminated or made void.
  • Examples:
    • "The marriage was dissolved by the court." (Officially ended)
    • "The contract was dissolved due to breach of agreement." (Cancelled)

5. (Chemistry) To React and Form a Solution

  • Meaning: This is a more specialized scientific usage. It refers to a chemical reaction where a solid substance breaks down and forms a solution.
  • Example: "Sodium chloride dissolves in water." (Sodium chloride reacts to form a solution of salt water).

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Gradual Process: “Dissolve” often implies a gradual process – something isn't suddenly gone, it slowly fades or breaks down.
  • Intransitive Verb: Generally, "dissolve" doesn't take a direct object (you don't say "I dissolve the ice"). It describes an action that happens to something.

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Example
Melt/Break Down "The snow began to dissolve."
Fade Away "Her memories slowly dissolve."
Resolve Conflict "Negotiations helped dissolve the dispute."
Legal Termination "The partnership was dissolved."
Chemical Reaction "Sugar dissolves in hot water."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking of using "dissolve" in? (e.g., writing a story, explaining a scientific concept, having a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word dissolve

Practice with vocabulary dissolve

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The legal agreement stipulated that the partnership would automatically ______ if specific financial targets were not met.
  2. If you add enough sugar to hot tea, it will completely ______, creating a sweet solution.
  3. The dense fog began to ______ rapidly as the morning sun rose higher, improving visibility.
  4. Exposure to harsh weather conditions can gradually ______ the surface of soft rocks over time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions can lead to the end of a formal organization or assembly, such as a parliament or a committee? A) Consolidate B) Dissolve C) Reconstitute D) Adjourn

  2. When a solid is fully absorbed into a liquid, losing its individual form and becoming part of the solution, it is said to: A) Suspend B) Solidify C) Precipitate D) Dissolve

  3. What might happen to long-standing tension or conflict between two parties after successful mediation? A) Intensify B) Manifest C) Dissolve D) Persist

  4. What happens to metal when it is gradually eaten away or worn down by a chemical reaction, such as rust? A) Corrode B) Strengthen C) Expand D) Dissolve

  5. The vibrant colors in the old painting started to ______ over the decades due to prolonged exposure to light. A) Intensify B) Brighten C) Fade D) Disperse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company decided to put an end to its operations due to ongoing financial losses.

    • Rewrite using a form of "dissolve".

  2. When you add a soluble substance to a liquid, it becomes uniformly distributed throughout it.

    • Rewrite using a form of "dissolve".

  3. The ice cream quickly turned into a liquid puddle on the hot pavement.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "turned into a liquid puddle".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The legal agreement stipulated that the partnership would automatically dissolve if specific financial targets were not met.
  2. If you add enough sugar to hot tea, it will completely dissolve, creating a sweet solution.
  3. The dense fog began to disperse rapidly as the morning sun rose higher, improving visibility.
  4. Exposure to harsh weather conditions can gradually erode the surface of soft rocks over time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Dissolve D) Adjourn (can also mean to end a session, though often temporarily) Self-correction: "Adjourn" is usually temporary. "Disband" would be a better choice for an end. Let's adjust the options for Q1 in my thought process to be stricter. Revised Answer Q1: B) Dissolve. (Also plausible: Disband)

  2. D) Dissolve

  3. C) Dissolve

  4. A) Corrode

  5. C) Fade

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to ongoing financial losses, the company decided to dissolve its operations.
  2. When you add a soluble substance to a liquid, it will dissolve, becoming uniformly distributed throughout it.
  3. The ice cream quickly melted on the hot pavement.

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