melt
/mɛlt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To change from a solid to a liquid because of heat. It can also mean to make something do this.
- The ice will melt in the sun.
- She melted the butter in a pan.
- 2.
To become softer, weaker, or less strict. People often use this for feelings, tension, or resistance.
- His anger slowly melted away.
- The crowd melted when the music started.
Adinary Nuance
Melt is the basic word for turning from solid to liquid. It is more common and direct than liquefy, which sounds more scientific or formal. It is also different from dissolve, which means to mix into a liquid, not simply turn into one. Use melt for ice, butter, chocolate, and feelings that become softer.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tan chảy
- Spanish
- derretir
- Chinese
- 融化
- Japanese
- 溶ける
- Korean
- 녹다
Etymology
Old English meltan meant "to become liquid". It comes from a Germanic root related to heat and liquefying.
Common phrases
melt awaymelt in the mouthmelt into tearsmelt the butter
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is melt used in scientific writing?
- Yes, but **liquefy** or **fusion** may sound more formal in science.
- What is the difference between melt and dissolve?
- Something **melts** when heat turns it into liquid. Something **dissolves** mixes into a liquid.
- Can melt describe feelings?
- Yes. People say anger, fear, or tension **melted** when they became weaker.
- Is melted an adjective or a verb form?
- **Melted** is usually the past form of the verb, and it can also describe something that has become liquid.