break down; decompose; mediate
Meanings
6 senses · 18 examplesverb
to separate a whole into its constituent parts
neutralUsed in physics (e.g., resolving forces), mathematics (factorization), and structural analysis.
In physics, force can be decomposed into horizontal and vertical components.
The teacher is explaining how to factor polynomials.
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This complex system is difficult to break down into simple modules.
His article has a clear structure and is easy to break down.
verb
to decompose; for a substance to chemically break down into two or more other substances
technicalA key term in chemistry.
Water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen during electrolysis.
Organic matter slowly decomposes in the soil.
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Plastic takes hundreds of years to fully decompose.
verb
to mediate; to resolve (a dispute)
neutralOften used in the context of interpersonal or social conflicts.
This issue is very complex, and I find it hard to mediate.
Let him help resolve your conflict.
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The community invited an expert to mediate the neighborhood dispute.
verb
to disintegrate; to break up; to cause (an enemy) to split from within
neutralOften used in political, military, or strategic contexts.
We need to do our work well to cause the enemy to disintegrate from within.
This policy successfully broke up the opposition alliance.
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Rumors can quickly undermine a team's cohesion.
verb
to explain oneself; to offer an excuse or defense
neutralOften used when someone is not allowed or given the chance to defend themselves.
Without letting him explain himself, they dragged him away.
He was just about to start explaining when he was interrupted.
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In such a situation, any explanation seems feeble.
verb
to narrate; to tell what happens next (in a traditional serial story)
literaryA formulaic phrase used at the end of a chapter in classic Chinese novels to cue the next installment.
Please listen to the next installment for what happens next.
The story stops here. If you want to know what happens next, please listen to the next installment.