© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

covalence

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kəʊˈveɪləns/

KK: /kəʊˈveɪləns/

noun
Definition

A type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve stability.


Example

Covalence is important in forming molecules like water and carbon dioxide.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about covalence in chemistry?
Sloth B
Yeah, I remember it has to do with how atoms share electrons, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how covalence makes molecules work together.
Sloth B
Totally! It really shows how connected everything is at the atomic level.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bonding
linkage
connection
Antonyms
repulsion
separation
division
Root Explanation

Covalence → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "valent" (from Latin "valens", meaning strong or powerful). The word describes the strong bond formed when atoms share electrons together.

Memory Tip

Think of atoms coming 'together' ('co-') to form a 'strong bond' ('valent') — that's what covalence means.

Visually Confused Words
valence
convalesce
coalesce
cryptovalence
convalescence
contravalence
polyvalence
omnivalence
Is this page helpful?