Words / B2

KRIST-uh-lyz/ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/

To crystallise is to form crystals, or (of an idea) to become clear and definite (British -ise): sugar crystallises; an idea crystallised. Crystal is the noun (previous); solidify is broader. The policy crystallised after the vote. Mix-up: crystalise (misspelling); criticise. US: crystallize. Do not write crystallise for a vague hunch that stays vague.

Meaning

To form crystals, or (of an idea) to become clear and definite (British spelling).

Examples

• “The policy crystallised after the vote, the minutes said.”
• “The salt crystallised on the string, which is the science sense.”

Good to know

crystallise; crystallised. Noun: crystal. US: crystallize. Trap: crystalise spelling. Chemistry, news, and essays. Form crystals, or become definite (UK -ise).

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