diluting

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Making a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid.

   Grammar: Takes an object: dilute the juice. The -ing form is used after be or as a noun-like word.

   Patterns

   • diluting something
   • diluting something with something

   She is diluting the orange juice with water.

   Diluting the acid before disposal is important for safety.

   The factory was accused of diluting its product to save money.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Making something weaker or less effective, such as a quality or idea.

   Grammar: Often used with abstract nouns: dilute the message, dilute the impact.

   Patterns

   • diluting something
   • diluting the effect of something

   Adding too many details is diluting the main point of your argument.

   The new regulations are diluting the power of the committee.

Word forms

Common combinations

diluting with water

Diluting the syrup with water makes it less sweet.

diluting the solution

The chemist is diluting the solution to the right concentration.

diluting the effect

Too many exceptions are diluting the effect of the rule.

Synonyms and how they differ

weakening

Similar meaning but can refer to physical or abstract strength; 'diluting' specifically involves adding a liquid to reduce concentration.

thinning

Often used for liquids or paints; 'diluting' is more general and can also mean making something less forceful.

Opposites

Word family

dilute verb

To make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid.

dilution noun

The process of making something weaker or less concentrated.

diluted adjective

Made weaker or less concentrated.

Commonly confused: diluting or deluding?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “diluting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words