chemistry

chemistry — noun

1. The branch of science that examines the makeup of substances, the ways they chan

1.nounB1
Definition

The branch of science that examines the makeup of substances, the ways they change when brought together, and the rules that govern those changes.

Example

Aiko found chemistry difficult at first, but later grew to love the subject.

collocation: find chemistry difficult / love chemistry

In chemistry class, the students mixed two clear liquids and watched them turn bright blue.

Common collocations
  • study chemistry
  • organic chemistry
  • chemistry lab
  • chemistry professor
  • chemistry class
  • chemistry degree
Synonyms
  • chemical science

    formal; used mainly in academic or institutional names

  • science

    much broader; includes physics, biology, and other fields

Grammar Patterns

study + chemistry

chemistry + [adjective subfield]

Usage Note

An uncountable noun. Often paired with subfield adjectives such as 'organic', 'inorganic', 'physical', 'analytical', or 'environmental' to name specific branches.

Common Mistakes

I am studying the chemistry at university.
I am studying chemistry at university.
Do not use the article 'the' before the names of academic subjects used in a general sense.

2. The set of chemical traits and reactions that belong to one specific material —

2.nounA2
Definition

The set of chemical traits and reactions that belong to one specific material — for example, whether it dissolves in water, burns easily, or reacts with acid.

Example

The chemistry of this soil makes it perfect for growing rice.

collocation: the chemistry of [substance]

Wen tested the chemistry of the water from the local river for pollution.

Common collocations
  • the chemistry of [substance]
  • blood chemistry
  • soil chemistry
  • brain chemistry
  • water chemistry
Synonyms
  • composition

    focuses on the ingredients or elements that make up a substance

  • makeup

    informal; refers to the combination of parts or qualities

  • properties

    more general; includes physical as well as chemical characteristics

Grammar Patterns

the chemistry + of + [substance]

Usage Note

Frequently used with 'of' to specify which substance is being described ('the chemistry of water', 'the chemistry of the soil'). Also appears in compound nouns such as 'blood chemistry', 'soil chemistry', and 'brain chemistry'.

Common Mistakes

The chemisties of these two metals are different.
The chemistry of these two metals is different.
'Chemistry' is uncountable when it refers to properties; it stays singular and takes a singular verb.

3. A natural feeling of understanding and attraction between two people that makes

3.nounB2
Definition

A natural feeling of understanding and attraction between two people that makes them feel drawn to each other, often leading to a romantic or very close bond.

Example

The two actors had great chemistry on screen, which made their love scenes feel real.

collocation: on-screen chemistry

You cannot force chemistry between two people — it either happens or it does not.

Common collocations
  • romantic chemistry
  • good chemistry
  • on-screen chemistry
  • personal chemistry
  • sexual chemistry
Synonyms
  • spark

    more sudden and exciting; often describes the first moment of attraction

  • rapport

    focuses on smooth communication and mutual understanding; less romantic

  • connection

    broader; can be intellectual, emotional, or spiritual

  • attraction

    more focused on physical or romantic pull; lacks the sense of natural fit

Antonyms
  • indifference

    complete lack of interest or feeling

  • tension

    negative dynamic where people feel uncomfortable with each other

Grammar Patterns

have + chemistry

chemistry + between + [people]

Usage Note

Used without an article ('have chemistry', not 'have a chemistry'). Commonly describes performers on screen or stage, romantic partners, and teammates. Can also refer to close friendships or working relationships.

Common Mistakes

We have a good chemistry together.
We have good chemistry together.
This sense does not take the indefinite article 'a', as 'chemistry' here is uncountable.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/3

While chemistry describes a natural, often intuitive feeling of attraction or understanding between two people, similar terms highlight different aspects. Spark emphasizes a sudden, exciting first impression — the moment two people realize there might be something between them. Rapport focuses on smooth, harmonious communication and mutual understanding, common in professional or team settings, without necessarily implying romance. Connection is broader and can describe any meaningful link, whether intellectual, emotional, or spiritual. Attraction is more focused on physical or romantic pull but lacks the sense of effortless compatibility that chemistry carries. For example: 'They had instant chemistry on their first date' suggests an effortless mutual draw that neither person can explain, whereas 'They built rapport over months of working together' suggests something that developed gradually. Chemistry often implies something that cannot be forced or fully explained, while the other words can describe qualities that grow with effort over time.

spark ↗rapportconnection ↗attraction ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • chemistry between
  • chemistry of
  • chemistry with

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have chemistry with someone
  • the chemistry between two people
  • the chemistry of a substance

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word comes from the Greek 'khēmeia', which referred to the art of working with metals. It passed into Latin as 'alchemia' and then into Old French as 'alkimie'. Modern English 'chemistry' emerged in the 1600s, when the field began to separate from alchemy and develop into a systematic scientific discipline.