Meaning & use
chemistry
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Meanings
noununcountablechemistry
The science that studies what substances are made of and how they react and change.
Grammar: Uncountable: study chemistry.
She studies chemistry at university.
The chemistry lab smells of vinegar.
noununcountabletechnical
The chemical makeup and behavior of a particular substance or system.
Grammar: Often with the of: the chemistry of water.
Patterns
- the chemistry of something
The chemistry of soil affects crops.
Doctors study the brain's chemistry.
noununcountablefigurative
A natural, strong connection between people, such as attraction or an easy working relationship.
Grammar: Often with between: chemistry between the actors.
Patterns
- chemistry between someone and someone
The two actors have great chemistry.
The team lacked chemistry early in the season.
Common combinations
- organic chemistry
- Organic chemistry is hard for many students.
- chemistry set
- He got a chemistry set for his birthday.
- have chemistry
- They have chemistry on screen.
- team chemistry
- Team chemistry improved.
- chemistry between
- There was instant chemistry between them.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rapport
- Rapport means an understanding relationship, with less sense of attraction.
- connection
- Connection is general and plain.
- spark
- Spark suggests a first moment of attraction.
Word family
Commonly confused: chemistry or alchemy?
chemistry vs alchemy
Alchemy was an early, mystical forerunner of chemistry.
Practice
The coach said the team's success came from great ___ among the players.
Choose one answer.
Chemistry here means a natural connection. Chemical is an adjective or substance.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “chemistry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.