What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissolve
Example
The sugar dissolved in the hot tea. [dissolved: past tense]
Example
The company decided to dissolve after years of financial struggles. [dissolve: verb]
Example
Her anger dissolved as soon as she saw her friend's apology. [dissolved: past participle]
disintegrate
Example
The old building disintegrated over time due to neglect. [disintegrated: past tense]
Example
The team's strategy disintegrated under pressure from the opposing team. [disintegrated: past tense]
Example
Their friendship disintegrated after a series of misunderstandings. [disintegrated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissolve is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, while disintegrate is more commonly used in everyday language to describe physical objects or relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissolve and disintegrate?
Dissolve is generally considered more formal than disintegrate, which is often used in casual conversation.