A catalyst is any agent that sparks or accelerates progress.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed.
- A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
- Used figuratively to describe factors that speed up social processes.
Overview
- 1概述：催化剂（Catalyst）源于化学领域，指在不改变反应平衡的前提下，显著改变反应速率的物质。随着语言的演变，它在文学、社会学和商业语境中被广泛借用，指代任何能引发连锁反应或加速进程的动力或人物。
Examples
这次会议成为了双方达成协议的催化剂。
everydayThis meeting acted as a catalyst for the agreement.
我们需要寻找新的催化剂来提升生产效率。
formalWe need to find a new catalyst to improve productivity.
他是我学习编程的催化剂。
informalHe was the catalyst for my interest in programming.
该发现被认为是人类文明进步的催化剂。
academicThe discovery is considered a catalyst for human progress.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
催化作用
Catalytic effect
催化反应
Catalytic reaction
Often Confused With
A fuse is something that triggers a sudden, often violent or negative event, whereas a catalyst is a broader term for acceleration.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is formal but widely used in professional settings. In chemistry, it refers to a specific substance. In metaphors, it implies a positive or neutral acceleration of a process.
Common Mistakes
Don't use it to describe the 'cause' of a problem if the outcome is negative, as 'catalyst' usually implies a constructive process. People sometimes confuse it with 'fuel', but fuel provides the energy, while a catalyst only speeds up the conversion.
Tips
Use it to describe positive change
It is most effective when describing how a specific event or person accelerated a positive outcome.
Avoid using for negative events
While possible, it is usually better to use words like 'trigger' or 'instigator' for negative situations.
Scientific metaphor in business
The term is highly popular in corporate strategy to sound professional and analytical.
Word Origin
Derived from Greek 'katalysis' (dissolution). It entered scientific terminology in the 19th century and expanded into common usage through metaphorical application.
Cultural Context
The word is frequently used in Chinese media to describe economic reforms or social movements. It carries an intellectual tone often associated with modern analytical writing.
Memory Tip
Think of a chemical reaction bubbling faster when you add a specific powder. That powder is the catalyst making things happen quicker!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions在科学定义中是，但在日常语言中，它可以是某个人、某项政策或某个事件。
催化剂侧重于加速过程，而导火索侧重于触发突发性的结果，通常带有负面色彩。
非常常用，常用于描述促进市场增长或业务转型的重要因素。
在化学中有“抑制剂”，在比喻意义上可以对应“阻碍因素”。
Test Yourself
这次技术革新成为了行业发展的___。
技术革新通常起到加速行业发展的作用。
Score: /1
Summary
A catalyst is any agent that sparks or accelerates progress.
- A substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed.
- A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
- Used figuratively to describe factors that speed up social processes.
Use it to describe positive change
It is most effective when describing how a specific event or person accelerated a positive outcome.
Avoid using for negative events
While possible, it is usually better to use words like 'trigger' or 'instigator' for negative situations.
Scientific metaphor in business
The term is highly popular in corporate strategy to sound professional and analytical.
Examples
4 of 4这次会议成为了双方达成协议的催化剂。
This meeting acted as a catalyst for the agreement.
我们需要寻找新的催化剂来提升生产效率。
We need to find a new catalyst to improve productivity.
他是我学习编程的催化剂。
He was the catalyst for my interest in programming.
该发现被认为是人类文明进步的催化剂。
The discovery is considered a catalyst for human progress.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
