In order to know the meaning of the term dilute, it is necessary, first of all, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin. It exactly comes from the verb “diluere”, which means “to dissolve in a liquid” and which is the result of the sum of two components of said language:
-The prefix “dis-”, which is used to indicate “distance”.
-The verb “luere”, which is synonymous with “wash”.
The verb to dilute refers to achieving the dissolution of a substance by appealing to a liquid. The concept can also refer to reducing the concentration of a mixture by adding a solvent.
For example: “To prepare the brine, we must dilute a tablespoon of salt in a little water”, “By diluting this extra-concentrated orange juice we can obtain up to three liters of drink suitable for consumption”, “I am going to dilute the paint that I will use it in the dining room with a little turpentine”.
Among the synonyms of dilute we can highlight both liquefy and emulsify, dissolve, disintegrate and even dissolve. On the contrary, among its antonyms are both to concentrate and to thicken.
The action of diluting is carried out in the preparation of different gastronomic proposals. To prepare gelatin, to cite one case, the first step is to dilute the product in water. It is also common that juice powder has to be diluted to generate a ready-to-drink drink.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the fact that in order to use latex paint, it is also necessary to dilute it in water. In this case, the first thing will be to move it in order to know its consistency. Then you have to put it in a bucket and add water little by little while stirring. Exactly it is established that the amount will be about 120 milliliters of water for every 4 liters of paint.
The last step will be to strain the mixture to get the consistency you need. If necessary, you can add a little more water.
Nor should it be overlooked that Judea bitumen, which is obtained from petroleum, must be diluted in turpentine so that it can be used to give an aged appearance to different furniture and surfaces.
Many remedies, on the other hand, are marketed as pills that must be diluted in water so that the patient then drinks the liquid in question. With this format, pills are offered that include vitamin C, zinc and other minerals to strengthen the immune system.
The notion of diluting, on the other hand, is used in a symbolic sense to refer to making something lose intensity or relevance. The president of a country can ask the economy minister to resign with the aim of diluting popular discontent expressed through mass demonstrations. By replacing the official, the president intends to send a message to the population: he is willing to change the economic course. In this way, by diluting the protests, he manages to strengthen his government.
