dissolvono

Dissolvono is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb dissolvere. It is used with a plural subject to express that they dissolve or cause to dissolve in the present tense. The infinitive form of the verb is dissolvere.

Etymology and related forms. The verb dissolvere comes from Latin dissolvere, formed from dis- “apart” and solvere “to loosen, to release.” Related forms include dissolvo (I dissolve), dissolvi (you dissolve), dissolve (he/she dissolves), dissolviamo (we dissolve), dissolvete (you all dissolve), and dissolvono (they dissolve). The reflexive form dissolversi exists as well, yielding intransitive senses such as dissolversi in a solvent or, metaphorically, a situation dissolving.

Usage and meanings. Dissolvere is primarily used to indicate the act of making a substance disappear by mixing with a solvent (chemistry, cooking, or everyday contexts). It can also be used metaphorically for processes that cease to exist or become unusable, as in agreements or arrangements that dissolve. The verb is transitive when a direct object is involved (dissolvono un soluto in un solvente) and intransitive or pronominal in reflexive constructions (i cristalli si dissolvono nell’acqua).

Examples. I cristalli di sale dissolvono lentamente in acqua. Le polveri si dissolvono rapidamente quando messe in solvente. L’accordo tra le parti si dissolve col tempo.

See also. Dissolvere; dissolversi; sciogliere, synonyms commonly used for dissolving substances, with subtle differences in nuance and register.