What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
solubilize
Example
The chemist used a surfactant to solubilize the oil in water. [solubilize: verb]
Example
The solubilization of the drug was achieved by adding a solubilizing agent to the formulation. [solubilization: noun]
dissolve
Example
The sugar dissolved in the hot tea. [dissolved: past tense]
Example
The chemist added the powder to the solvent and waited for it to dissolve. [dissolve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissolve is more commonly used than solubilize in everyday language. Dissolve is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while solubilize is more specific and is typically used in scientific or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between solubilize and dissolve?
Solubilize is a more formal word than dissolve. It is typically used in scientific or technical writing and is less common in everyday language.