Langimage
English

dissect

|dis/sect|

B2

🇺🇸

/dɪˈsɛkt/

🇬🇧

/daɪˈsɛkt/

cut apart

Etymology
Etymology Information

'dissect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dissecare,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'secare' meant 'to cut.'

Historical Evolution

'dissecare' transformed into the French word 'dissequer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dissect' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to cut apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to analyze in detail.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to cut open and examine the structure of a dead body or plant to study its internal parts.

In biology class, we had to dissect a frog.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to analyze something in great detail.

The critic dissected the film's plot and characters.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45