Dilute

Verb

Definition: To make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it.

Synonyms: Weaken, Thin, Water down

Antonyms: Concentrate, Strengthen

Examples:

He diluted the orange juice with water.
The chef diluted the sauce to make it less spicy.

Mnemonics:

Think of diluting a drink with water, making it weaker.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'dilutus', past participle of 'diluere' meaning 'wash away'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since the late Middle English period with the same basic meaning of making a liquid thinner or weaker.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Dilute the impact/effect"

Explanation:

To lessen or reduce the impact or effect of something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'dilute' with 'pollute'.

Explanation:

While both words involve the alteration of a liquid, 'dilute' means to make something weaker or thinner by adding a solvent, whereas 'pollute' means to contaminate or make something impure.