Coalesce
/ˌkoʊəˈlɛs/
verbC1
Definition
Coalesce means when separate parts, groups, or ideas join together to make one single thing. It can be used for physical things like drops of water joining or for groups of people or ideas becoming one. The process usually happens naturally or over time.
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See It in Action
To come together and form one whole or group
- •The small communities coalesced into a single city over time.
- •Different political parties coalesced to form a coalition government.
- •The ideas from the meeting coalesced into a clear plan.
To cause separate parts to join and become one
- •The droplets coalesced to form a large puddle.
- •The colors coalesced on the canvas to create a beautiful painting.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "coalesce" like "join," but with a stronger meaning of different parts becoming one whole, not just standing together
- ✓Picture small drops of water on a leaf slowly coming together to form a bigger drop
- ✓It's the feeling when friends who were apart come back together as one close group
- ✓Sounds like "coal-LESS" → imagine pieces of coal merging into one bigger piece, becoming stronger and whole
- ✓Imagine a story where different teams in a game become one big team to win
- ✓NOT like "mix" (which can keep parts separate but together), "coalesce" means parts actually unite into one
- ✓NOT like "gather" (which means coming close but still separate), "coalesce" means becoming one thing
- ✓NOT like "combine" (which can be quick or forced), "coalesce" usually suggests a natural or gradual joining
Try Other Words
- •Merge: to come together and become one (Use when talking about things or groups joining smoothly)
- •Unite: to come together for a common purpose (Use when emphasizing agreement or teamwork)
- •Combine: to put together parts into one (Use when parts are put together, but may still keep their own identity)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "co-" (together) + root "alesce" (from Latin "alescere" meaning "to grow")
- •Etymology: From Latin "coalescere," meaning to grow together or unite
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe things joining or growing into one
- •Modern usage: Used in science, politics, and everyday language to describe natural or planned joining of parts or groups
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when different ideas or people coalesced to solve a problem? What helped them come together?
•How is coalescing different from just being close or connected? Why is it important for some things to fully unite?
Fill in the blanks
1.When many small groups ___ into one, they become stronger together.
2.The colors in the painting slowly ___ to create new shades and patterns.
3.Unlike just meeting, coalesce means parts ___ to become one whole.
4.The community ___ around the cause to make a big change.
5.You can see water droplets ___ on the window after a rainstorm.
6.Different opinions must ___ before the team can make a decision.
7.The ideas did not just stay separate; they ___ into a clear plan.