Synthesis

Definition

Synthesis refers to the process of combining two or more elements to form a more complex structure. It is an act of integrating different components or ideas into a unified whole.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɪnθəsɪs/
• Respelling: SIN-thuh-sis (with "SIN" as in "sin," "thuh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "sis" as in "sister")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/
• Respelling: SIN-thi-sis (similar to American English, with "SIN" as in "sin," "thi" as in "thin," and "sis" like in "sister")

In both dialects, "synthesis" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SIN." The word ends with "sis," which is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The term "synthesis" has its roots in Latin "synthesis" which is from Ancient Greek "σύνθεσις" (súnthesis), itself from "συντίθημι" (suntíthēmi), meaning ‘I put together’ or ‘I combine.’ The Greek term is comprised of "σύν" (sun, “with, together”) + "τίθημι" (títhēmi, “I put, place”).

Derivatives

• Synthesize (verb)
• Synthetic (adjective)
• Synthesizer (noun)
• Synthetically (adverb)
• Synthesist (noun)

Synonyms

• Combination
• Integration
• Amalgamation

Antonyms

• Analysis
• Separation
• Dissection

Usage

The term "synthesis" is used in various fields such as chemistry, biology, music, and philosophy, to name a few. It generally denotes the act of combining different elements to create something new or more complex. In academic or analytical writing, it refers to the ability to combine information from various sources to create new understandings or conclusions.

Related Terms

• Composition
• Fusion
• Cohesion
• Conflation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Chemical Synthesis: In chemistry, synthesis refers to the process of combining two or more chemical entities to form a new compound.
• Example: The synthesis of water from hydrogen and oxygen.

• Philosophical/Metaphysical Synthesis: In philosophical contexts, synthesis is a method of understanding, whereby contrasting abstract or theoretical ideas are integrated into a comprehensive framework.
• Example: Hegelian dialectics where thesis and antithesis are overcome by synthesis.

• Musical Synthesis: In music, synthesis refers to the production of musical sounds by generating electrical signals of particular frequencies.
• Example: A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals through synthesis.