verb
Uncommon
dilute
deye-LYOOT
Dilute (verb) means to make a liquid weaker or thinner by adding water or another solvent. Example: “Dilute the juice concentrate with three parts water.”
verb
1
To make a liquid weaker or thinner by adding water or another solvent.
"Dilute the juice concentrate with three parts water."
"The paint was too thick, so she diluted it slightly before applying a second coat."
2
To weaken something, especially by mixing in something else or spreading it thinner.
"Adding too many side plots diluted the impact of the main story."
"Issuing new shares can dilute existing shareholders' ownership stake."
adjective
1
Weak or thin because of dilution; low in concentration.
"The soup tasted watery and dilute."
How to use dilute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo thin something out or weaken its strength, whether it is a drink, an argument, or a company's shares.
Common pairings
dilute with water
dilute the concentration
dilute shareholder value
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Word forms
- Plural
- dilutes
- Third person singular
- dilutes
- Past tense
- diluted
- Comparative
- more dilute
- Superlative
- most dilute
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ the juice concentrate with three parts water.
Etymology
From Latin "dīluere", "to wash away or dissolve" — the same root that gives us "deluge".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dilute
See all rhymes for dilute →Frequently asked questions
What does “dilute” mean?
The word “dilute” means to make a liquid weaker or thinner by adding water or another solvent. In plain terms, to thin something out or weaken its strength, whether it is a drink, an argument, or a company's shares.
How do you pronounce “dilute”?
“Dilute” is pronounced deye-LYOOT (/daɪˈlut/ in IPA).
How do you use “dilute” in a sentence?
Here is “dilute” used in a sentence: “Dilute the juice concentrate with three parts water.”
What part of speech is “dilute”?
Depending on how it is used, “dilute” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “dilute” come from?
The word “dilute” comes from Latin. From Latin "dīluere", "to wash away or dissolve" — the same root that gives us "deluge".
Is “dilute” a common word?
“Dilute” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dilute” have?
“Dilute” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a liquid weaker or thinner by adding water or another solvent.
