Melt: meaning, definitions and examples

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melt

[mɛlt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

changing state

To change from a solid to a liquid state by applying heat; to become liquefied by warmth.

Synonyms

dissolve, liquefy, thaw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melt	Used when a solid turns into a liquid typically due to heat. Commonly used for solids such as ice, chocolate, or wax. The ice cream will melt if you don't put it in the freezer She loves to watch the cheese melt on her pizza
dissolve	Refers to a solid that is incorporated into a liquid, making it disappear. Often used in chemical or cooking contexts. Sugar will dissolve in water to make a sweet solution He had to dissolve the medicine in water before drinking it
liquefy	Used when something is turned into a liquid state, often involving a process or change in condition. Can be applied to solids and gases. The intense heat can liquefy metal Scientists are working on technology to liquefy natural gas for easier transportation
thaw	Used specifically for frozen items that are returning to their liquid or unfrozen state, often due to an increase in temperature. You need to thaw the chicken before cooking it The snow began to thaw as the weather warmed up

Examples of usage

The snow will melt in the sun.
He melted the chocolate in a double boiler.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotional

To become tender or loving; to feel strong emotions, especially love or sympathy.

Synonyms

move, soften, touch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melt	See the context and examples above, since 'melt' is repeated. The ice cream began to melt under the hot sun. His stern demeanor melted when he saw her smile.
soften	To make something softer, either physically or metaphorically. Can describe texture or attitudes. Add some water to soften the dough. Her harsh words softened when she saw how upset he was.
touch	To come into physical contact with something or someone. It can also describe a gentle or emotional impact. She reached out to touch his hand. Her story touched everyone's hearts.
move	To change position or place. It can be used for physical movement or to describe emotional impact. She asked him to move the chair to the other side of the room. The sad movie really moved him.

Examples of usage

His heart melted when he saw the puppy.
She melted at the sight of the baby.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

food

A dish made by blending cheese, milk, and seasonings until smooth and creamy.

Synonyms

cheese dip, fondue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melt	Use this when referring to a solid converting to a liquid, often due to heat. It's commonly used for ice, butter, or other substances that change their state. The snow began to melt in the warm sun Can you melt the butter for the recipe?
cheese dip	Use this in situations where you refer to a sauce made from melted cheese, often used as a dip for snacks like chips, vegetables, or bread. We had tortilla chips with cheese dip at the party This cheese dip goes well with nachos
fondue	This term is often used in a social or dining context where melted cheese (or sometimes chocolate) is served in a communal pot for dipping pieces of bread, fruit, or vegetables. It has a gourmet or special occasion connotation. We decided to have a nice dinner with cheese fondue Chocolate fondue was a hit at the party

Word

Description / Examples

melt

Use this when referring to a solid converting to a liquid, often due to heat. It's commonly used for ice, butter, or other substances that change their state.

The snow began to melt in the warm sun
Can you melt the butter for the recipe?

cheese dip

Use this in situations where you refer to a sauce made from melted cheese, often used as a dip for snacks like chips, vegetables, or bread.

We had tortilla chips with cheese dip at the party
This cheese dip goes well with nachos

fondue

This term is often used in a social or dining context where melted cheese (or sometimes chocolate) is served in a communal pot for dipping pieces of bread, fruit, or vegetables. It has a gourmet or special occasion connotation.

We decided to have a nice dinner with cheese fondue
Chocolate fondue was a hit at the party

Examples of usage

We enjoyed a delicious bowl of cheese melt.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'melt' comes from the Old English 'meltan,' which means to dissolve or become liquid.
Related words in other languages include 'fondre' in French and 'schmelzen' in German, both meaning to melt.
The transition from solid to liquid has been described in texts dating back to the 12th century.

Science

Melting occurs at a specific temperature known as the melting point, which varies for different substances.
When ice melts, it absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, making the environment cooler.
Phase changes in matter, such as melting, are crucial for understanding various scientific principles, including thermodynamics.

Art and Culture

Artists often use melting imagery to represent change, loss, or the passage of time in their work, like Salvador Dalí's melting clocks.
In filmmaking, melting visuals can symbolize vulnerability or transformation, creating emotional impact.
The concept of melting has been used in literature to evoke feelings related to love, loss, and nostalgia.

Pop Culture

The iconic scene in the movie 'Frozen' depicts the dangers of letting emotions 'melt' away, highlighting themes of love and acceptance.
In cooking shows, melting chocolate is a popular technique that's visually appealing and delicious.
Songs about melting, such as 'Melting' by the artist Aimee Mann, describe emotional warmth and connection.

Psychology

The term 'melting away' can describe the feeling of anxiety diminishing, illustrating emotional release.
In therapy, participants might use metaphorical melting to discuss letting go of pain or stress.
Children learning about emotions might relate to the idea of feelings melting away to express moments of sadness or joy.

Translations

Translations of the word "melt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 derreter

🇮🇳 पिघलना (pighalnā)

🇩🇪 schmelzen

🇮🇩 mencair

🇺🇦 танути

🇵🇱 topić się

🇯🇵 溶ける (とける, tokeru)

🇫🇷 fondre

🇪🇸 derretir

🇹🇷 erimek

🇰🇷 녹다 (nokda)

🇸🇦 يذوب (yadhub)

🇨🇿 tát

🇸🇰 taviť sa

🇨🇳 融化 (rónghuà)

🇸🇮 topiti se

🇮🇸 bráðna

🇰🇿 еру

🇬🇪 დნობა (dnoba)

🇦🇿 ərimək

🇲🇽 derretir

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,836 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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