# dilute

/daɪˈɫut/ (US) · /daɪlˈuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dilute
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to thin a liquid

verb · CEFR B2

to make a liquid weaker or thinner by adding water or another liquid to it.

For teachers: to decrease the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding more solvent, typically water.

- You should dilute the juice with some water if it tastes too sweet.
- The chemist had to dilute the concentrated acid carefully before using it in the experiment to ensure the reaction remained controlled.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'with'.

### 2. to weaken an effect

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. finance

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. weak liquid

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You should dilute the juice with some cold water.
- The chemist had to dilute the acid carefully before using it in the experiment to avoid a dangerous reaction.
- The board's decision to include several minor amendments served to dilute the original proposal, rendering the final policy far less impactful than initially intended.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.