catalyst
A catalyst is something that makes a change happen faster or more easily. In science, it is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself.
Examples
3 of 5The warm sun was the catalyst that made the snow melt quickly.
The sun was the cause that made the snow melt faster.
The new law acted as a catalyst for major social change.
The new law was the reason that society changed quickly.
His funny comment was the catalyst for the whole room laughing.
His joke made everyone in the room start laughing.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Cat' jumping on a 'List' of chores to make them happen faster.
Quick Quiz
The new manager was a _______ for the team's success.
Correct!
The correct answer is: catalyst
Examples
The warm sun was the catalyst that made the snow melt quickly.
everydayThe sun was the cause that made the snow melt faster.
The new law acted as a catalyst for major social change.
formalThe new law was the reason that society changed quickly.
His funny comment was the catalyst for the whole room laughing.
informalHis joke made everyone in the room start laughing.
Enzymes are biological catalysts that help our bodies work.
academicEnzymes are natural things that speed up body processes.
The new technology was a catalyst for the company's growth.
businessThe new tech helped the company grow much faster.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
catalyst for growth
something that makes a business or person get bigger/better
prime catalyst
the most important reason something happened
economic catalyst
something that helps the economy move faster
Often Confused With
A catastrophe is a very bad disaster, while a catalyst is something that causes a change (often good).
A category is a group of similar things, whereas a catalyst is a cause of an event.
Usage Notes
You can use this word for chemistry (real science) or for people and events (metaphorical science). It usually describes something that starts a big process.
Common Mistakes
Learners often think a catalyst is the result of the change, but it is actually the thing that starts the change.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Cat' jumping on a 'List' of chores to make them happen faster.
Word Origin
From the Greek word 'katalusis', which means to loosen or dissolve.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The new manager was a _______ for the team's success.
Correct!
The correct answer is: catalyst
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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