Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (of metals) Blended to obtain a desired property: Describes a metal that has been mixed with other metallic elements to create a material with specific, improved characteristics.
   • (of metals) Debased by mixture with an inferior element: Describes a metal whose purity or quality has been reduced by being combined with a less valuable or less desirable substance.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The sword was made from alloyed steel, making it stronger and more flexible than pure iron.
  • The gold coin was not pure; it was alloyed with copper to increase its durability for everyday use.
  • The value of the silver was lower because it was alloyed with base metals.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily used for metals, "alloyed" can be used metaphorically to describe something pure or positive that has been diminished or altered by the addition of a negative element.
  • His joy at winning was alloyed with sadness for his injured teammate.
  • Their victory was an alloyed triumph, marred by accusations of unfair play.

Variants and Related Words

• Alloy (noun): A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements.
  • Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
• Alloy (verb): To mix metals, or figuratively, to spoil or diminish by adding something else.
  • They alloy copper with tin to make bronze.
  • His admiration for the author was alloyed by knowledge of his personal flaws.

Synonyms

• Admixed: Mixed.
• Blended: Combined together.
• Debased: Reduced in quality or value.
• Adulterated: Made poorer in quality by adding another substance.

Antonyms

• Pure: Not mixed or blended with any other substance.
• Unalloyed: Not mixed; pure; (figuratively) complete and utter.
  • She felt unalloyed happiness.

Adjective

1. (used of metals) blended to obtain a desired property
2. (used of metals) debased by mixture with an inferior element