沉淀 chéndiàn to settle
(chemistry) to settle; to precipitate; (chemistry) sediment; precipitate; (figuratively) (of emotions, thoughts, experience etc) to settle and be absorbed over time; to take shape gradually (through reflection or maturation)
How to remember 沉淀: 沉 to sink + 淀 marsh = to settle.
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How it is used
- 'To settle, precipitate; sediment' - chemistry 产生沉淀 (chǎnshēng chéndiàn) to form a precipitate.
- Very common figuratively: 沉淀下来 (chéndiàn xiàlái) to settle down, let feelings/thoughts mature over time.
- The 'let experience settle and deepen' sense is widely used in reflective, self-improvement talk.