Boiling down – Definition & Meaning

When we hear the term “boiling down,” we might think of a cooking technique, but it can also refer to a process of simplification or reduction. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and associations of the phrase “boiling down.”

Definitions

Boiling down is the process of reducing something to its essential elements or the most important parts. It can also refer to the process of condensing a liquid by boiling off the water. In both cases, the end result is a more concentrated substance.

Origin

The phrase “boiling down” has its roots in the Middle English word “boilen,” which means “to boil.” The term has been used in various contexts over the years, but its current meaning of simplification or concentration emerged in the 19th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, boiling down means “to reduce to essentials.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to reduce to a concentrated form by boiling.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to reduce something to its most important parts.”

Associations

Boiling down is often associated with distillation, which is the process of separating a mixture into its component parts. It can also be associated with cooking, particularly when reducing a sauce or stock to intensify its flavor.

Synonyms

Synonyms for boiling down include condensing, simplifying, reducing, and distilling.

Antonyms

Antonyms for boiling down include complicating, expanding, elaborating, and diluting.

The same root words

The word “boil” has several related words that share the same root, including “boiling,” “boiled,” and “boiler.” These words all relate to the process of heating a liquid to the point of bubbling or boiling.

Example Sentences

1. The editor boiled down the lengthy manuscript to a concise summary.
2. The chef boiled down the stock to intensify its flavor.
3. The scientist used distillation to boil down the mixture into its component parts.
4. The teacher simplified the complex concept to make it easier for the students to understand.
5. The lawyer condensed the lengthy legal brief into a brief summary for the judge.