catalyse

/ˈkætəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa)

catalyse — verb

  • catalysepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • catalyseshe / she / it
  • catalysedpast simple
  • catalysing-ing form

1. If something catalyses a reaction, it helps the process start more easily or mov

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

If something catalyses a reaction, it helps the process start more easily or move faster while the substance itself stays unchanged.

例句

Before the liquid got hot enough, the powder catalysed the reaction.

catalyse + reaction in a lab process

Our teacher showed that copper catalysed the reaction while water alone did nothing.

同義詞
  • accelerate

    More general; it can describe any process, not specifically catalysis.

  • promote

    Common in scientific writing for helping a reaction or process happen.

反義詞
  • inhibit

    To slow or block a reaction from happening normally.

  • retard

    Technical chemistry term for making a reaction proceed more slowly.

文法句型

catalyse + reaction/process

用法筆記

Usually takes a reaction or process as its object, not just the raw materials. The subject is normally a substance such as an enzyme, acid, or metal.

常見錯誤

❌The enzyme catalysed the chemicals.
✅The enzyme catalysed the reaction.
💡The object is usually the chemical process, not the substances by themselves.

2. To catalyse an event, discussion, or plan is to give it the push that gets it mo

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

To catalyse an event, discussion, or plan is to give it the push that gets it moving strongly or helps it take off.

例句

The court ruling catalysed a wider debate about online privacy laws.

catalyse + debate in formal news context

Lower ticket prices catalysed sales after weeks of empty seats.

同義詞
  • trigger

    Suggests a more immediate start, often from one clear cause.

  • spark

    More vivid and slightly less formal, especially for debate or interest.

  • stimulate

    Focuses on encouraging activity or growth rather than starting it suddenly.

反義詞
  • delay

    To make the change or process happen later.

  • stifle

    To prevent an idea, movement, or discussion from developing.

文法句型

catalyse + change/debate/growth

用法筆記

Often used in formal writing about social, business, or political developments. The object is usually a change, debate, campaign, or piece of growth rather than a single person.

常見錯誤

❌The grant catalysed for new research.
✅The grant catalysed new research.
💡'Catalyse' takes a direct object and does not need 'for' here.