dissipate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
dissipate Word Meanings
- to scatter or disperse
- to cause something to disappear
- to waste or squander resources
dissipate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
dissipate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdɪsɪpeɪt/
US
/ˈdɪsɪpeɪt/
dissipate Word Etymology
dis- (apart) + sipate (to scatter) → Latin 'dissipare' → Old French 'dissiper' → English. Imagine a group of leaves blowing apart in the wind, dissipating into the air.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
To dissipate means to cause something to scatter and fade away, or to cause it to disappear entirely. It often describes physical things like smoke, fog, heat, or a visible energy that seems to vanish. It can also refer to abstract things such as doubts, tension, or enthusiasm that gradually fades with time or effort. You can say a plan or fear dissipates once people understand the situation, or that resources are dissipated by careless spending. Note that dissipate emphasizes dispersion and thinning until nothing remains, rather than simply moving from one place to another. It contrasts with disperse, which stresses spread while still existing.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to pair with physical things (smoke, fog, heat) or abstract things (tension, doubts).
- Use dissipate with verbs like begin to, slowly, gradually, fade, vanish.
- Avoid using it for crowds; disperse is more natural there.
- Dissipate often implies thinning or vanishing rather than scattering to remain present.
- Be mindful of resources: dissipate can mean wasteful use, but not always.
- Stress the end result: end up disappearing, not just moving away.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing dissipate with disperse; disperse is spreading while still existing, dissipate is fading away.
- Assuming it always relates to physical things; it can apply to emotions and situations too.
- Thinking it means increase or concentrate energy; it means the opposite.
- Using it to describe crowds; generally use disperse for people.
- Mispronouncing with stress on the wrong syllable.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often view dissipate as fading away or dispersing until nothing remains, and typically reserve it for non-human things or abstract states as well as physical phenomena.
Learning Tips
- Compare with disperse to feel the nuance difference.
- Practice both physical (fog, smoke) and abstract (tension) examples.
- Record pronunciation focusing on the di-SIP-ate syllable.
- Learn common collocations: begin to dissipate, dissipate slowly.
- Watch for budget or resource contexts that imply waste (dilapidate, squander).
- Use visual imagery: fog dissipating to help memory.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'dissipate'?
A.Purify
B.Strengthen
C.Expand
D.Disappear
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'dissipate' used correctly?
A.The chef will dissipate the soup for dinner.
B.The scientist plans to dissipate a new theory.
C.Her enthusiasm remained undissipated throughout the day.
D.The heat caused the snow to dissipate quickly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'dissipate'?
A.Multiply
B.Disperse
C.Gather
D.Concentrate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'dissipate'?
A.Evaporate
B.Collect
C.Accelerate
D.Crystallize
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you use the word 'dissipate'?
A.During a scientific experiment
B.Describing the fading of someone's anger
C.Referring to a fast-moving cloud
D.While cooking a meal
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