dilute
To make weaker by adding something or spreading too thin
Examples
In a meeting
“Adding too many messages will dilute the impact of our campaign.”
Over coffee
“Don't dilute the orange juice too much or it won't taste like anything.”
Why this word
weaken
dilute specifically means reducing concentration by adding substance, while weaken is general reduction of strength
thin
dilute implies adding liquid to reduce concentration, while thin is less specific about method
water down
dilute is the precise technical term for reducing concentration, while water down is informal and metaphorical
Usage tip
Can be literal (liquids) or figurative (quality, impact, focus)
Etymology
Latin 'diluere' from 'dis-' (away) + 'luere' (to wash)
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Related words
dissipate
To gradually disappear or scatter
curtailment
The action of reducing or limiting something
retrench
Reduce costs or expenditures, especially by cutting back operations
narrow
To reduce the range or scope of something
minimize
Reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
curtail
To reduce or restrict something, often abruptly