dilute

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to make something like a feeling, an idea, or a power less strong or effective.

v. to diminish the strength, intensity, or purity of something by adding limiting or conflicting elements.

“Adding too many characters to the story might dilute the main message.”

“The original proposal was so heavily amended by the committee that its primary purpose was effectively diluted.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

v. to reduce the value of shares in a company by creating more of them.

v. to reduce the proportional equity or earnings per share by increasing the total number of shares outstanding.

“The company decided to issue new stock, which will dilute the existing shares.”

“Existing investors were concerned that the secondary offering would significantly dilute their ownership stake in the firm.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science

adj. describes a liquid that has been made weaker or has a low concentration.

adj. referring to a solution that contains a relatively small amount of solute compared to the solvent.

“The doctor suggested using a dilute solution of salt and water to clean the wound.”

“The experiment required a dilute hydrochloric acid to prevent a violent reaction with the metal shavings.”