dilute

American  

[dih-loot, dahy-, dahy-loot] / dɪˈlut, daɪ-, ˈdaɪ lut /

verb (used with object)

diluted, diluting

1. to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by the addition of water or the like.

2. to make fainter, as a color.

3. to reduce the strength, force, or efficiency of by admixture.

   Synonyms:

   diminish, mitigate, temper, weaken

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verb (used without object)

diluted, diluting

1. to become diluted.

adjective

1. reduced in strength, as a chemical by admixture; weak.

   a dilute solution.

dilute British  

/ daɪˈluːt /

verb

1. to make or become less concentrated, esp by adding water or a thinner

2. to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc

   he diluted his story

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adjective

1. chem

   1. (of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc) having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture

   2. (of a substance) present in solution, esp a weak solution in water

      dilute acetic acid

Other Word Forms

• antidilutive adjective
• dilutee noun
• diluter noun
• dilutive adjective
• dilutor noun
• overdilute verb
• undilute adjective
• undiluted adjective
• undiluting adjective

Etymology

Origin of dilute

1545–55; < Latin dīlūtus washed away, dissolved (past participle of dīluere ), equivalent to dī- di- ² + -lūtus, combining form of lautus ( lav ( ere ) to wash + -tus past participle suffix)

Explanation

When you dilute something, you make it thinner, weaker, or more watered down. If you put lots of ice cubes in your soda, the ice will melt and dilute the drink. Think about diluting as lessening the quality but increasing the quantity. Unless you're diluting a really strong drink to make it taste better or diluting heavy paint to get a lighter shade — then the quality actually improves. Quipped President John F. Kennedy, “Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary.”

Example Sentences

But the authors’ self-interest can dilute the perception of objectivity.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Scientists may need to be deployed with the troops to dilute the uranium to render it safe.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

He said the Nazi regime was "the most barbaric ever, and I'd never make light of nor dilute its seriousness".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

It also plans to lower investment spending, increase its oil-and-gas business production and dilute its stake in Plenitude as part of a new strategy through 2030.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

No, this was some dilute, watery version of him.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• adulterate
• alter
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• mitigate
• modify
• reduce
• temper
• water down