Words / B2

di-ZOLV/dɪˈzɒlv/

To dissolve is to mix into a liquid until it disappears, or to officially end a parliament, company, or marriage: sugar dissolves; dissolve Parliament. Melt is for solids becoming liquid by heat (ice melts; salt dissolves in water). Snap elections: Parliament was dissolved. Do not mix with solve (find an answer).

Meaning

To mix into a liquid until it disappears; also to officially end a group or marriage.

Examples

• “Parliament was dissolved before the snap election.”
• “The tablet dissolves in water, which is the chemistry sense.”

Good to know

dissolve in; dissolve a marriage / parliament / company. Mix-up: melt (heat) vs dissolve (in liquid); solve (a problem). Chemistry and constitutional news.

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