dilution
dilution — noun
1. the process of making a liquid less concentrated by adding water or another subs
the process of making a liquid less concentrated by adding water or another substance, or the weaker liquid that results from this process
Élise measured the water needed for the dilution of the concentrated orange juice.
dilution of + specific liquid (concentrated orange juice)
The lab assistant prepared the solution through careful dilution with distilled water.
adjective + dilution: careful dilution
For the experiment, Tunde calculated the correct dilution ratio of acid to water.
The chemist warned that further dilution would make the cleaning agent too weak to work.
Min noticed that the dilution of the paint with mineral spirits changed its texture completely.
- watering down
more informal; often used for drinks or household liquids
- thinning
emphasises the reduction in viscosity, common in paint or chemical contexts
- weakening
more general; can be used for any reduction in strength
- concentration
increasing the strength of a solution
- strengthening
general opposite of weakening a mixture
文法句型
dilution + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'of' to specify the liquid being diluted, or 'with' to name the substance added. Common in scientific and domestic contexts (cooking, cleaning).
常見錯誤
2. the reduction in the strength, power, or importance of something that is not phy
the reduction in the strength, power, or importance of something that is not physical, such as a feeling, principle, tradition, or standard
Many local residents opposed the dilution of the neighbourhood's cultural traditions by new development.
dilution of + abstract noun: cultural traditions
The dilution of safety standards over the years led to an increase in workplace accidents.
The constant dilution of her grandmother's advice worried Saira, who feared losing its real meaning.
The charity's mission suffered serious dilution when it began chasing too many goals.
- erosion
suggests a slow, gradual wearing away; stronger negative tone
- weakening
more general; less specific to gradual processes
- diminishment
more formal; emphasises loss of value or importance
- strengthening
building up rather than reducing
- reinforcement
making something stronger or more resilient
文法句型
dilution + of + abstract noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in discussions about cultural change, ethical standards, and organisational purpose. Often paired with negative adjectives such as 'gradual', 'constant', 'serious', or 'unacceptable'.
常見錯誤
3. a decrease in the per-share value of a company's stock that occurs when the tota
a decrease in the per-share value of a company's stock that occurs when the total number of shares increases, usually because new shares are issued to raise capital
The company's decision to issue more shares led to a 15% dilution of existing shareholders' equity.
percentage + dilution + of + financial term: shareholders' equity
Rafael warned investors about the potential dilution before the startup announced its second funding round.
potential dilution + in investment context
Shareholders voted against the merger because they feared dilution would reduce their dividends significantly.
The financial report showed significant dilution after the parent company completed the acquisition.
New investors agreed to the deal despite the dilution clause in the contract.
- equity dilution
more specific; refers directly to ownership percentage decreasing
- share erosion
more informal; emphasises gradual loss of value
- share appreciation
increase in per-share value over time
- earnings growth
increase in earnings that offsets the effect of new shares
文法句型
dilution + of + noun phrase (financial terms)
用法筆記
Frequently appears in financial reports, shareholder communications, and corporate governance discussions. Often preceded by 'equity', 'stock', or 'share' to specify the type of dilution. Commonly combined with 'anti-dilution' provisions in investment contracts.