catalyst
KAT-uh-list
/ˈkætəlɪst/
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
In social contexts, a catalyst is the 'spark' that starts a process without necessarily being the main part of the resulting change.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'kata-' (down) and 'lyein' (loosen). It originally referred to the loosening or dissolving of chemical bonds to allow new ones to form.
Word relationships
- stimulus: A 'stimulus' encourages growth; a 'catalyst' specifically starts a reaction.
- impetus: 'Impetus' is the force that keeps something moving; 'catalyst' is the spark that starts it.
- inhibitor: A substance or factor that slows down or prevents a process.
- deterrent: Something that discourages an action from happening.
Commonly confused with
- cause: A 'cause' is directly responsible for the outcome; a 'catalyst' simply accelerates the process.
Word family
- catalytic (adjective): Relating to or causing a catalyst.
- catalyze (verb): To act as a catalyst for.
Collocations
- catalyst for change
- act as a catalyst
- primary catalyst
Example sentences
- "She was the catalyst for change in the community." Social activism.
- "The enzyme acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction without being consumed by it." Scientific context.
Memory hook
Think of a 'cat' jumping into a pile of leaves. The cat is the catalyst that makes the leaves fly everywhere. The spark that starts the fire.
When not to use
Don't use it for the change itself; use it for the thing that starts the change.
Fun facts
- The term was coined by Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius in 1835.
Related words
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