WordValecatalyst
a substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed
In more detail
1. (noun) a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself
2. (noun) a person or thing that causes something important to happen or change
Examples
- 1. The enzyme acts as a catalyst in the digestion process. 2. The new leader was a catalyst for reform in the company.
How to use catalyst
Catalyst is used literally in chemistry and figuratively to describe a person, event, or factor that precipitates change or action. The figurative use is common in business, social, and political contexts. It typically implies a positive or neutral force that activates potential rather than directly creating the outcome.
Common phrases
- act as a catalyst
- catalyst for change
- catalyst for growth
- serve as a catalyst
- chemical catalyst
Synonyms
accelerant · agent of change · trigger · impetus · spark
Opposites
inhibitor · obstruction
Word family
catalytic (adjective) · catalyze (verb) · catalysis (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use catalyst to mean the actual cause or primary driver of change, when it more precisely denotes something that enables or accelerates change without being the main force behind it.
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