What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissolving
Example
The sugar is dissolving in the hot water. [dissolving: present participle]
Example
The salt dissolved completely in the soup. [dissolved: past tense]
melting
Example
The ice cream is melting in the sun. [melting: present participle]
Example
The chocolate melted in the microwave. [melted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melting is more commonly used than dissolving in everyday language. Melting is a more general term that can be used to describe the transformation of various substances, while dissolving is more specific to the process of a solid substance breaking down in a liquid.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissolving and melting?
Both dissolving and melting are formal terms used in chemistry and science. However, dissolving may be more commonly used in scientific contexts, while melting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
