The Opposite(Antonym) of “hydrophilic”
The antonym of hydrophilic is hydrophobic and water-repelling. The antonyms hydrophobic and water-repelling describe substances that do not mix with water and repel it instead of attracting it.
Explore all Antonyms of “hydrophilic”
- hydrophobic
- water-repelling
Definitions and Examples of hydrophobic, water-repelling
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
Example
The feathers of a duck are hydrophobic, which helps them stay dry even when they swim in water.
water-repelling
Having the ability to resist or repel water.
Example
The surface of a lotus leaf is water-repelling, which causes water droplets to roll off it easily.
Key Differences: hydrophobic vs water-repelling
- 1Hydrophobic is a scientific term that describes substances that repel water, while water-repelling is a more general term that describes any material that can resist water.
- 2Hydrophobic is a complementary antonym to hydrophilic, while water-repelling is a relational antonym.
Effective Usage of hydrophobic, water-repelling
- 1Science: Use hydrophobic and hydrophilic to describe the properties of molecules and materials in chemistry and biology.
- 2Product Design: Incorporate water-repelling materials in products such as raincoats, tents, and outdoor gear to make them waterproof.
- 3Everyday Life: Use hydrophobic and water-repelling to describe surfaces that repel water, such as car wax, non-stick cookware, and waterproof phone cases.
Remember this!
The antonyms hydrophobic and water-repelling describe substances that do not mix with water and repel it instead of attracting it. Hydrophobic is a scientific term that describes substances that repel water, while water-repelling is a more general term that describes any material that can resist water. Use these words in science, product design, and everyday life to describe the properties of molecules and materials, create waterproof products, and describe surfaces that repel water.
