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Solidify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solidify

[sษ™หˆlษชdษชหŒfaษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in chemistry

To make or become hard or solid, especially by cooling.

Synonyms

cement, harden, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solidify

Use this when something is becoming firmer or more certain, often referring to ideas or plans.

  • The team hopes these new policies will solidify their position in the market.
  • Her commitment to the project solidified after the meeting.
harden

Typically used when talking about physical substances becoming hard, but also can be used metaphorically to describe someone's feelings or attitudes becoming less sensitive.

  • The clay needs to harden before it can be painted.
  • Years of hardship hardened his outlook on life.
cement

This is ideal for describing the act of making a relationship, plan, or idea stronger and more durable, with a long-term perspective.

  • They decided to cement their partnership with a formal agreement.
  • The unforgettable trip helped to cement their friendship.
strengthen

Best suited for talking about making something stronger in general, whether itโ€™s a physical object, relationship, or skill.

  • The exercises will strengthen your muscles over time.
  • The new policies will help strengthen the company's financial health.

Examples of usage

  • The lava began to solidify as it cooled down.
  • Allow the mixture to solidify in the fridge before serving.
Context #2 | Verb

in relationships

To make a relationship or bond stronger or more secure.

Synonyms

cement, fortify, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solidify

Use this term when referring to something that becomes more definite, clear, or firm, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

  • The plan began to solidify after weeks of discussion.
  • As the liquid cooled, it started to solidify into a solid mass.
strengthen

Choose this word when your aim is to discuss making something stronger or more forceful, in a general sense.

  • The exercises were designed to strengthen the muscles.
  • He worked hard to strengthen his argument by finding additional evidence.
fortify

This word is best used when you want to describe the action of making something stronger or more resistant, particularly in a defensive context.

  • The walls were fortified to withstand the siege.
  • She took vitamins to fortify her immune system.
cement

Employ this word to describe the action of making a relationship, position, or concept more secure and enduring, often metaphorically.

  • His performance in the project helped to cement his reputation as a reliable employee.
  • They decided to cement their friendship by going on a long trip together.

Examples of usage

  • The team-building exercises helped to solidify the bond between coworkers.
  • Spending quality time together can help solidify a romantic relationship.
Context #3 | Verb

in politics

To make a position or agreement more certain or reliable.

Synonyms

confirm, establish, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solidify

Use when making a plan, idea, or relationship more definite or strong.

  • They held meetings to solidify their strategy
  • We need to solidify our plans for the project
confirm

Use when verifying or validating information or arrangements.

  • Please confirm your attendance at the event
  • The tests confirmed his diagnosis
establish

Use when starting something new or setting up a system, organization, or rule.

  • They plan to establish a new company
  • The treaty helped to establish peace in the region
secure

Use when making something safe, stable, or certain, often in a physical or protective sense.

  • They need to secure the building before the storm
  • She managed to secure a loan for her business

Examples of usage

  • The treaty helped to solidify the alliance between the two countries.
  • His successful speech solidified his position as the leader of the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The process of solidifying is critical in materials science, especially when certain liquids become solid under specific temperature changes.
  • In cooking, solidification occurs when fats cool, allowing them to form a solid structure, such as in chocolate or butter.
  • Water is unique, as it expands when solidifying into ice, making ice less dense than liquid water.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, solidifying a character's resolve can symbolize their transformation, often seen in heroic stories.
  • The concept appears frequently in superhero genres, where characters gain the ability to solidify their forms, like turning their bodies into unbreakable structures.
  • The phrase 'solidifying friendships' can be found in many teen dramas, representing the importance of strong bonds.

Psychology

  • The idea of solidifying memories refers to the process of making experiences more stable in our mind, often through repetition.
  • During therapy, people may work to solidify their self-esteem, helping to replace doubts with positive affirmations.
  • The brain solidifies new knowledge during sleep, where memories transition from short-term to long-term storage.

Literature

  • Authors often use the metaphor of solidifying thoughts to convey characters reaching clear conclusions or decisions.
  • In poetry, solidification can describe how feelings become strong and unchangeable, much like solid matter.
  • In classic literature, the imagery of solidifying fears can illustrate the struggle between doubt and courage.

Origin of 'solidify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'solidus,' meaning solid or firm.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting both physical and metaphorical contexts.
  • Related words include 'solidity,' which describes how firm or strong something is.

The word 'solidify' derives from the Latin word 'solidus,' meaning solid. It first appeared in the English language in the early 18th century. Over time, 'solidify' has been used in various contexts, from chemistry to relationships and politics, to describe the process of making something hard, strong, or secure.

See also: solid, solidarity, solidification, solidified, solidifier, solidifying, solidity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,399, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.