Word
synthesize
Phoneticssyn·the·size, stress on the first syllable
/ˈsɪnθəˌsaɪz/
UK spelling · synthesise
Definition
v. to create a new substance by combining two or more different chemicals. It can also mean to put together different ideas to form a new one.
v. to produce a chemical compound from simpler substances; to combine various elements to form a coherent whole. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“Scientists can synthesize new materials in the lab.”
“The researcher managed to synthesize a compound that could potentially treat the disease more effectively than existing drugs.”
“By synthesizing data from multiple clinical trials, the committee was able to identify a consistent pattern that previous individual studies had failed to reveal.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists can synthesize new materials in the lab.”
contextual
“The researcher managed to synthesize a compound that could potentially treat the disease more effectively than existing drugs.”
complex
“By synthesizing data from multiple clinical trials, the committee was able to identify a consistent pattern that previous individual studies had failed to reveal.”
Real-World Examples
“In this work, the researchers took iron ore samples directly from the Minnesota Iron Range and demonstrated that they can be used to synthesize semiconductor-quality fool's gold using simple processes.” “By synthesizing mRNA that contains instructions for a desired protein and delivering it into cells, researchers can temporarily turn the cells into protein-producing factories.” “Since the 1950s, scientists have learned how to recreate it in the lab to synthesize diamonds.” “A new pathway has opened for controlling the rotation direction of light simply by changing how molecules are arranged, without having to synthesize complex new materials.” Etymology
From synthesis + -ize. First attested in 1830.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/synthesize