What does soluble mean?
Soluble is an adjective meaning able to dissolve in a liquid or other medium. Its clearest use is in chemistry and related sciences: salt is soluble in water, while some substances are soluble only under particular conditions. The related phrase “soluble in” identifies the medium in which a substance dissolves, and words such as highly, slightly, and readily describe the degree or ease of dissolution. In figurative language, soluble can describe a difficulty that can be resolved or explained, though “resolvable” is often more natural in modern English. The word comes through Latin from solvere, “to loosen, solve, or untie,” the same root found in solve, solution, solvent, and dissolve.
adjectiveAble to dissolve in a liquid or other medium. Figuratively, capable of being resolved, explained, or worked out.
- Able to dissolve in a liquid or other medium.
- Able to be resolved, explained, or worked out, especially in a figurative or intellectual sense.
"The salt is soluble in water, whereas the wax is only slightly soluble in hot water."
"The tablet is soluble in water and should be taken with a full glass of water."
"The committee found the dispute soluble through patient discussion and compromise."
Salt dissolves because it is soluble: its particles separate so fully that the original solid disappears into the water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soluble come from?
The adjective was borrowed from Latin solubilis, meaning “dissolvable” or “able to be loosened.” That form was derived from solvere, “to loosen, solve, or untie.” English later developed closely related forms such as solve, solution, and dissolve, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How soluble is actually used
In scientific and technical writing, soluble most often describes a substance that can dissolve in a specified medium. In figurative use, it is less common than resolvable but can describe a problem or question that can be settled or explained.
Easily confused with soluble
A soluble substance can dissolve in a medium, whereas a solvent is the liquid or other medium in which something dissolves.
Soluble relates to dissolving or being dissolved, while voluble means talkative or fluent and having abundant words.