solidify
/səˈlɪdɪfaɪ/
verb
Origin
Latin
solidus — firm, whole, solid
Overview
Meaning Now
- To make or become hard, firm, or compact.
- To make a relationship, agreement, or situation more stable or secure.
Literal older meaning
to make solid
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
solidify
Earliest period
mid-17th century
Journey
The word entered English during the scientific revolution, a period when Latinate vocabulary was frequently adopted to describe physical processes like the hardening of substances.
Evolution
- Latin
solidus
“firm, whole”
Adjective base for later formations.
- Late Latin
solidificare
“to make solid”
Formation via 'solidus' + 'facere'.
- French
solidifier
“to solidify”
- English
solidify
“to become solid”
Direct borrowing from French.
Connections
Word parts
solid
root
firm
-ify
suffix
to make or render
Related across languages
French
solidifier
to solidify
Spanish
solidificar
to solidify
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Related to solidify
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.