ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dissolved

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈzɑɫvd// UK //dɪsˈɒlvd// dis·solved

v. to mix a solid into a liquid until it disappears and becomes part of the liquid. You can also use it when a group, like a business or a marriage, officially ends.

v. to cause a solid to pass into solution; to incorporate a solute into a solvent. Also used to describe the formal termination of a legal entity, assembly, or relationship.


SIMPLE

The sugar dissolved quickly in the hot tea.

CONTEXTUAL

The chemist stirred the mixture until the white powder completely dissolved into the clear liquid.

COMPLEX

After years of internal conflict and declining profits, the board of directors voted to have the partnership dissolved and its remaining assets liquidated.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is both transitive and intransitive. When used for legal entities, it often appears in the passive voice.

Pitfall

The salt was dissolved in the water by itselfThe salt dissolved in the waterWhen a substance disappears into a liquid naturally, use the active voice; the passive voice implies an external agent performed the action.

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