chemistry
gb/kˈɛmɪstɹi/ us/kˈɛmɪstɹi/
B1
English
~ 3200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
science of substances
The study of what things are made of and how they change when mixed or combined.
Usage pattern:
[someone] studies chemistry
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'chemistry' (the subject) with 'chemical' (a substance). For example, 'I like chemical' is incorrect when talking about the subject; it should be 'I like chemistry'.
Synonyms
chemical science (More formal or technical term for the scientific field.)
Antonyms
physics (A different branch of science focusing on matter, energy, and forces rather than chemical substances.)
Collocations
organic chemistry
|inorganic chemistry
|study chemistry
|chemistry experiment
|chemistry lab
Themes
science
|education
Examples
- She decided to major in chemistry at university.
- Chemistry explains how water can turn into ice or steam.
- The new drug was developed after years of chemistry research.
- He works in a laboratory doing chemistry experiments.
- Chemistry plays a vital role in environmental protection.
Learner examples
- I study chemistry at school.
- Chemistry is my favorite subject.
- We did a chemistry experiment in class.
- My brother is a chemistry teacher.
Noun
B2
state
2
mutual attraction between people
A good feeling or connection between people when they are together.
Usage pattern:
chemistry between [people]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'chemistry' here refers to science; context should make clear it's about relationships.
Synonyms
rapport (Focuses more on mutual understanding and harmony than physical attraction.)
Antonyms
friction (Refers to tension or conflict instead of harmony.)
Collocations
good chemistry
|strong chemistry
|chemistry between them
Themes
relationships
|emotions
Examples
- The actors had great chemistry on screen.
- There was instant chemistry between the two musicians.
- Their chemistry made working together a pleasure.
- We could all see the chemistry between them during the interview.
Learner examples
- They have good chemistry.
- I feel chemistry with her.
- The team has strong chemistry.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
chemical makeup and processes
The chemicals and changes inside something.
Usage pattern:
the chemistry of [something]
Synonyms
chemical makeup (Informal term focusing on composition rather than processes.)
Collocations
body chemistry
|brain chemistry
|soil chemistry
Themes
science
Examples
- The soil's chemistry affects which plants can grow there.
- Body chemistry changes as we age.
- Brain chemistry plays a role in mood disorders.
Learner examples
- The soil chemistry is poor here.
- My body chemistry is different now.
- Brain chemistry can change with medicine.
Grammar
Dictionary form
chemistry
IPA
GB/kˈɛmɪstɹi/
US/kˈɛmɪstɹi/
Syllables & stress
chem - istry (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (chem)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: chemistry
- Plural: chemistries, chemistry
Word family
Forms
chemistries
noun
Related words
biochemistry
noun C1
biochemical
adjective
Advanced or less common
geochemistry
noun
geochemical
adjective
Expressions
have good chemistry
1/hˈæv ɡˈʊd kˈɛmɪstɹi/
fixed phrase
share a natural connection
To have a good feeling or work well together with someone.
Examples
- The lead actors have good chemistry on stage.
- I think we have good chemistry as friends.
no chemistry
1/nˈoʊ kˈɛmɪstɹi/
fixed phrase
lack of natural connection
When people do not feel a natural connection or attraction to each other.
Examples
- We went on a date, but there was no chemistry.
- The two players had no chemistry on the court.