Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):
   • To cause something to become clear, definite, or well-defined. This often refers to abstract concepts like thoughts, plans, or ideas.
   • To cause a substance to form crystals or to assume a crystalline structure.
2. Verb (Intransitive):
   • To become clear, definite, or well-defined.
   • To form crystals or to assume a crystalline structure.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Transitive - to make clear/definite):
  • The meeting helped crystallize our strategy for the next quarter.
  • She wrote the outline to crystallize her ideas for the novel.
• Verb (Transitive - to form crystals):
  • The chemist crystallized the salt from the solution.
  • Slow cooling helps crystallize the minerals in the rock.
• Verb (Intransitive - to become clear):
  • After hours of discussion, our position finally began to crystallize.
  • The concept crystallized in my mind as I was explaining it.
• Verb (Intransitive - to form crystals):
  • The honey will crystallize if stored in a cold place.
  • As the solution cooled, the compound started to crystallize.

Advanced Usage

• "to crystallize into something": To develop into a clear and definite form.
  • Their vague ideas eventually crystallized into a solid business plan.
• "to crystallize out": (Chemistry) To separate from a solution as crystals.
  • The pure compound will crystallize out first.

Variants and Related Words

• Crystallization (n): The process of crystallizing, either in a literal (forming crystals) or figurative (becoming clear) sense.
  • The crystallization of sugar is a common process.
  • The report led to the crystallization of public opinion.
• Crystalline (adj): Having the structure and form of a crystal; clear and transparent.
  • The crystalline structure of diamond is very strong.
  • The lake's water was crystalline.

Synonyms

• Clarify: To make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.
• Solidify: To make strong or secure; to become firm or hard.
• Form: To bring together parts or combine to create (something).
• Precipitate: (Chemistry) To cause a substance to be deposited in solid form from a solution.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

• Crystallize out: (See "Advanced Usage" above).
• Crystallize around: For ideas or support to become focused on a central point or person.
  • The opposition movement crystallized around the charismatic leader.

Related Idioms

• To bring something into crystal-clear focus: To make something extremely clear and understandable. This idiom uses the "clarity" meaning of "crystal" but is not a direct idiom with the verb "crystallize."
  • The diagram brought the complex process into crystal-clear focus.

Verb

1. cause to take on a definite and clear shape
   • He tried to crystallize his thoughts
2. assume crystalline form; become crystallized
3. cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
   • crystallize minerals
4. make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
   • Could you clarify these remarks?
   • Clear up the question of who is at fault