Is fossilize used literally and figuratively?

Yes. It can mean becoming a fossil, or becoming fixed and old-fashioned.

Is fossilize formal or informal?

It is neutral to slightly formal, and common in science or writing.

What is the difference between fossilize and petrify?

Fossilize is about becoming a fossil or becoming very fixed. Petrify usually means to turn to stone or to frighten someone.

← Dictionary

fossilize

/ˈfɒs.ɪ.laɪz/

IELTSAcademic

verb

1.
To turn into a fossil over a very long time. In science, this can happen when remains are preserved in rock or sediment.
- These shells can fossilize in wet mud.
- The bones fossilized over millions of years.
2.
To become old-fashioned and unable to change. People use this especially about ideas, systems, or attitudes.
- His views have fossilized over time.
- The company must not fossilize its working methods.

Adinary Nuance

Fossilize is stronger than simply "become old". It suggests something has become fixed, stiff, and hard to change. Use "become outdated" for a milder idea, and "fossilize" when the change feels slow, solid, and almost permanent.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hóa thạch
Spanish: fosilizarse
Chinese: 变成化石
Japanese: 化石化する
Korean: 화석화하다

Etymology

Fossilize comes from fossil, from Latin fossilis, meaning 'dug up'. The verb appeared in English in the 19th century.

Common phrases

fossilized remainsfossilized bonesfossilized thinking

Synonyms

preserve solidify calcify

Related words

fossil ancient outdated rigid

Frequently asked questions

Is fossilize used literally and figuratively?: Yes. It can mean becoming a fossil, or becoming fixed and old-fashioned.
Is fossilize formal or informal?: It is neutral to slightly formal, and common in science or writing.
What is the difference between fossilize and petrify?: Fossilize is about becoming a fossil or becoming very fixed. Petrify usually means to turn to stone or to frighten someone.