amalgamate
What does "amalgamate" mean?
To amalgamate is to combine or unite multiple distinct elements into a single, cohesive whole. Imagine a chemist mixing different metals into an alloy, or two separate companies merging their operations to create a single, stronger corporation. It implies a process where the individual components lose their distinct boundaries to form a new, unified identity. This word is most frequently used in business, organizational, or scientific contexts. While "mix" or "combine" are common, "amalgamate" carries a weight of formality and permanence, often suggesting a structural or systemic integration rather than a simple physical blending.
"amalgamate" in conversation
Corporate merger discussion
Do you think the new contract will help us amalgamate the two departments?
Do you think the new contract will help us amalgamate the two departments?
It’s going to be a long process, but it's the only way to stay competitive.
It’s going to be a long process, but it's the only way to stay competitive.
Used here to describe the merging of business units.
Discussing community planning
We aim to amalgamate the local school districts into one regional board.
We aim to amalgamate the local school districts into one regional board.
That sounds like a massive administrative undertaking.
That sounds like a massive administrative undertaking.
Used in political or civic contexts to describe organizational consolidation.
"amalgamate" in a sentence
The two small banks decided to amalgamate to survive the recession.
The two small banks decided to amalgamate to survive the recession.
The artist sought to amalgamate traditional folk themes with modern electronic sounds.
The artist sought to amalgamate traditional folk themes with modern electronic sounds.
The proposed legislation aims to amalgamate several disparate environmental agencies into a single oversight body.
The proposed legislation aims to amalgamate several disparate environmental agencies into a single oversight body.
