Meaning & use
decompose
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To break down gradually into simpler substances through natural biological or chemical processes.
Grammar: Can be used with an object (Bacteria decompose the leaves) or without one (The leaves decompose slowly).
Patterns
- something decomposes
- decompose something
- decompose into something
Bacteria and fungi decompose dead plants and animals.
The fallen leaves will decompose over the winter.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.
verbtransitivetechnical
To separate a substance or idea into its basic parts or elements.
Grammar: Usually takes an object and is often followed by 'into': decompose the problem into smaller steps.
Patterns
- decompose something into something
- decompose a problem
Chemists can decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The teacher asked us to decompose the argument into its main claims.
The software decomposes the image into separate color layers.
Word forms
| third person singular | decomposes |
|---|---|
| past tense | decomposed |
| past participle | decomposed |
| -ing form | decomposing |
Common combinations
- decompose naturally
- These materials decompose naturally in a few weeks.
- decompose into
- The compound decomposes into simpler molecules when heated.
- slowly decompose
- Plastic bags slowly decompose in the ocean.
- decompose organic matter
- Microbes decompose organic matter in the soil.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rot
- Rot is more informal and often suggests a bad smell or visible decay, while decompose is the neutral scientific term.
- decay
- Decay is broader and can describe anything getting worse over time, including buildings or teeth, whereas decompose is mostly used for organic matter breaking down.
- break down
- Break down is a phrasal verb that is more general and can also mean to stop working or to lose control emotionally.
Opposites
Word family
- decomposition noun
- The process of breaking down into simpler parts or substances.
- decomposer noun
- An organism, such as a fungus or bacterium, that breaks down dead material.
Commonly confused: decompose or decompensate?
decompose vs decompensate
Decompensate is a medical term meaning to lose normal function, while decompose means to rot or break down into simpler substances.
Practice
Dead trees in the forest ______ over many years, returning nutrients to the soil.
Choose one answer.
The present tense 'decompose' agrees with the plural subject 'trees' and describes a general process. 'Decompensate' is a medical term about losing function. 'Compose' means to make up or create. 'Decomposing' would need a helping verb like 'are'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “decompose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.