Is congeal formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and common in writing, especially for liquids and ideas.

What is the difference between congeal and solidify?

Congeal often suggests thickening into a sticky or fixed state. Solidify is broader and more neutral.

Can I use congeal for ideas?

Yes. It can mean ideas or plans become fixed and clear.

Is congeal a common word in speaking?

Not very common in everyday speech. People often say thicken, harden, or freeze instead.

← Dictionary

congeal

/kənˈdʒiːl/

IELTSAcademic

verb

If a liquid congeals, it becomes thick and solid, often because it becomes cold. It can also mean a plan, idea, or group starts to form and become fixed.

The gravy began to congeal on the plate.
Her thoughts slowly congealed into a plan.
The soup congealed after being left outside.

Adinary Nuance

Congeal is stronger and more physical than thicken or set. Use it for liquids turning solid, or for ideas and groups becoming fixed or stuck together. It sounds more formal than everyday words like harden or freeze.

In other languages

Vietnamese: Đông lại
Spanish: Coagular
Chinese: 凝固
Japanese: 固まる
Korean: 응고하다

Etymology

Congeal comes from Old French congealer, from Latin con- plus gelare, meaning “to freeze.” It entered English in the Middle Ages.

Common phrases

congeal intocongeal on the surfacecongeal around an idea

Synonyms

solidify harden thicken freeze

Related words

gel clot solid solidify

Frequently asked questions

Is congeal formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and common in writing, especially for liquids and ideas.
What is the difference between congeal and solidify?: Congeal often suggests thickening into a sticky or fixed state. Solidify is broader and more neutral.
Can I use congeal for ideas?: Yes. It can mean ideas or plans become fixed and clear.
Is congeal a common word in speaking?: Not very common in everyday speech. People often say thicken, harden, or freeze instead.