saponified
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /səˈpɒnɪfaɪd/
KK: /sæpənɪfaɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describes a substance that has undergone a chemical process to become soap-like, usually involving the reaction of fats or oils with an alkali.
Example
The saponified oils in the soap create a rich lather when mixed with water.
Conversation
Have you tried that new soap made from saponified oils?
No, I haven't! Is it really that good?
Yeah, it lathers so well and feels amazing on the skin.
I need to get some; I love natural products like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
soapy
alkaline
emulsified
Antonyms
unsaponified
neutral
raw
verb
Definition
To convert fats or oils into soap by a chemical reaction with an alkali.
Example
The oils were saponified to create a natural soap.
Tense Forms
Past: saponified
Past Participle: saponified
Conversation
I just finished making some soap at home.
Oh really? How did it turn out?
It actually worked great! I saponified the oils perfectly.
Root Explanation
Saponified → It is formed from "sapo" (from Latin, meaning soap) and "-ify" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "saponified" means to have been made into soap or to have undergone the process of saponification.
Memory Tip
Think of 'sapo' which means soap, and remember that 'saponified' means something has been made into soap.
Visually Confused Words
unsaponified
sanctified