solidify

UK: səˈlɪdɪfaɪ | US: səˈlɪdɪfaɪ

Definition
  1. vt. to make solid or firm

  2. vi. to become solid or firm

  3. vt. to strengthen or make more stable

Structure
solid <firm>ify <to make>
Etymology

solidify = solid<firm> + ify<to make>

  • solid (from Latin solidus, meaning "firm, whole, dense")
  • ify (a verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make, to cause to become")

Etymology Origin:
The word solidify combines solid, rooted in Latin solidus (referring to physical firmness), with the suffix -ify, which transforms nouns or adjectives into verbs meaning "to make X." The logical progression is straightforward: "to make solid." This construction reflects a common pattern in English where Latin-derived roots pair with suffixes to create precise, technical, or formal verbs.

Examples
  1. The cooling lava will slowly solidify into rock.

  2. Adding a binding agent helps solidify the mixture.

  3. Their shared experiences solidified their friendship.

  4. The company aims to solidify its market position this year.

  5. Cold temperatures cause water to solidify into ice.