nonreactive chemically

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparabletechnicalchemistry

   Not tending to react chemically with other substances; chemically stable or inert.

   Grammar: Used after a linking verb or before a noun: it is nonreactive chemically; a nonreactive chemically treated surface.

   Patterns

   • be nonreactive chemically
   • nonreactive chemically with something
   • remain nonreactive chemically

   Gold is prized because it stays nonreactive chemically even in moist air.

   The lab stores the samples in glass, which is nonreactive chemically with most acids.

   Engineers chose a coating that is nonreactive chemically so the pipe would not corrode.

2. 2adjectivenot comparabletechnicalchemistry

   Not showing a chemical response in a test, for example no color change or reaction.

   Grammar: Common in lab reports, often after the verb 'be'.

   Patterns

   • be nonreactive chemically in a test
   • test nonreactive chemically

   The unknown powder was nonreactive chemically when mixed with water.

   Both samples proved nonreactive chemically, so the test gave no clear result.

Common combinations

chemically nonreactive

Chemically nonreactive materials are safer for food containers.

nonreactive with acids

This metal is nonreactive with most acids.

remain nonreactive

The substance will remain nonreactive at room temperature.

a nonreactive surface

Use a nonreactive surface when handling the chemical.

Synonyms and how they differ

inert

The standard technical term for substances that do not react; 'nonreactive' is plainer and can also describe test results.

stable

Broader: it can mean unchanging in many ways, not only chemically.

unreactive

Very close in meaning; 'nonreactive' is the more common spelling in technical writing.

Opposites

Word family

nonreactivity noun

The quality of not reacting chemically.

reactive adjective

Tending to react readily with other substances.

react verb

To undergo a chemical change with another substance.

Commonly confused: nonreactive chemically or unresponsive?

Practice

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