verb B1 Intermediate Uncommon

dissolve

dih-ZOLV

Dissolve (verb) means to mix completely into a liquid so as to become part of the solution. Example: “Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.”

verb

To mix completely into a liquid so as to become part of the solution.

"Stir until the sugar dissolves completely."

"Salt dissolves quickly in warm water."

To officially end or break up an organization, agreement, or assembly.

"The prime minister dissolved parliament and called an election."

How to use dissolve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo disappear into a liquid, or to formally end something like a partnership or government.

Common pairings

dissolve in water dissolve parliament dissolve a partnership

Word forms

dissolved past tense, dissolves plural, dissolves singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Stir until the sugar _____ completely.

Etymology

From Latin dissolvere, "to loosen apart," from dis- ("apart") + solvere ("to loosen").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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resolve melt dismiss thaw disband unfreeze unthaw dethaw fade out break up fade away

Related words

answer decide resolution crash commitment solve intention settle

Rhymes for dissolve

solve evolve absolve resolve involve revolve

See all rhymes for dissolve →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dissolve” mean?

The word “dissolve” means to mix completely into a liquid so as to become part of the solution. In plain terms, to disappear into a liquid, or to formally end something like a partnership or government.

How do you pronounce “dissolve”?

“Dissolve” is pronounced dih-ZOLV (/dɪˈzɑlv/ in IPA).

How do you use “dissolve” in a sentence?

Here is “dissolve” used in a sentence: “Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.”

What part of speech is “dissolve”?

“Dissolve” is a verb.

Where does the word “dissolve” come from?

The word “dissolve” comes from Latin. From Latin dissolvere, "to loosen apart," from dis- ("apart") + solvere ("to loosen").

Is “dissolve” a common word?

“Dissolve” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “dissolve” have?

“Dissolve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mix completely into a liquid so as to become part of the solution.

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