# dissolved

/dɪˈzɑɫvd/ (US) · /dɪsˈɒlvd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dissolved
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mixed into a liquid

verb · CEFR B1

mixed into a liquid until it became part of it and could no longer be seen.

For teachers: the process of a solid becoming incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution.

- The sugar dissolved quickly in the hot tea as she stirred it.
- The salt crystals dissolved almost instantly upon contact with the boiling water, leaving the liquid perfectly clear for the next step of the experiment.

### 2. ended an organization

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

officially ended a group, a marriage, or a government.

For teachers: formally terminated a legal bond, an assembly, or a political body.

- The king dissolved the parliament and called for new elections.
- The partnership was formally dissolved after both parties agreed that their strategic visions for the company were no longer compatible.

### 3. faded away

verb · CEFR B2 · Literary

disappeared slowly or lost its strength.

For teachers: gradually disappeared, faded, or lost definition and clarity.

- Her anger dissolved when she saw his sincere apology.
- The morning mist dissolved as the sun rose higher, revealing the jagged peaks of the mountains for the first time that day.

### 4. in a liquid state

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

describes something that is already mixed into a liquid.

For teachers: referring to a solute that has undergone the process of dissolution and is now in a liquid state.

- The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is important for the fish.
- High levels of dissolved minerals can affect the taste of drinking water and cause buildup in industrial pipes over time.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- The sugar dissolved quickly in the hot tea.
- The chemist stirred the mixture until the white powder completely dissolved into the clear liquid.
- After years of internal conflict and declining profits, the board of directors voted to have the partnership dissolved and its remaining assets liquidated.

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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.