Solid
'sɒlɪd
Definitions
5 meaningsFirm and stable in shape; not liquid or gas.
'sɒlɪd
Having a firm or stable form; not liquid or gaseous.
The table is made of solid oak.
💡 Simply: Imagine a block of ice. It's solid because you can hold it and it keeps its shape. It's not like water that spills everywhere!
👶 For kids: When something is solid, it's hard and doesn't change shape easily, like a rock or a toy block.
More Examples
She built a solid relationship with her colleagues.
The evidence presented was solid.
How It's Used
"Water freezes into a solid state at 0 degrees Celsius."
"The building's foundation was made of solid concrete."
Having no empty spaces inside.
'sɒlɪd
Of a substance, not hollow or having empty spaces inside.
The door was made of solid wood, not hollow.
💡 Simply: Think of a chocolate bar – it's a solid chocolate bar, not one with holes in it.
👶 For kids: If something is solid, it doesn't have any holes inside, like a ball or a toy brick.
More Examples
She bought a solid gold bracelet.
How It's Used
"The machine's core was a solid steel block."
"She packed a solid block of cheese for lunch."
Having only one color; without patterns or multiple colors.
'sɒlɪd
Of a color, consisting of a single, uniform hue; not patterned or mixed.
He wore a solid black suit.
💡 Simply: A solid color is like a red t-shirt, all one color, not stripes or polka dots!
👶 For kids: A solid color is just one color, like a green crayon or a yellow shirt.
More Examples
The company's logo was a solid white square.
How It's Used
"She chose a solid red dress for the event."
"The room was painted in a solid blue color."
Reliable, dependable, or trustworthy.
'sɒlɪd
He gave her a solid alibi.
💡 Simply: If someone gives you a solid promise, it means they're definitely going to do what they said.
👶 For kids: If someone is solid, it means you can trust them to do what they say.
More Examples
The project had a solid framework.
They are a solid team.
How It's Used
"The company has a solid reputation."
"They built a solid friendship over the years."
A substance or object that is solid; a state of matter.
'sɒlɪd
A form of matter that has a definite shape and volume.
The scientist studied the properties of various solids.
💡 Simply: Solids are things you can touch and hold, like a book or a chair.
👶 For kids: A solid is something that's hard and doesn't change shape easily, like a toy block or a desk.
More Examples
Iron is a common solid used in construction.
How It's Used
"Solids, liquids, and gases are the three states of matter."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
solid as a rock
Very strong and reliable.
"He's solid as a rock - you can always count on him."
From Middle English solide, from Old French solide, from Latin solidus ('firm, whole, unbroken').
The word 'solid' has been used since the 14th century, initially with the sense of 'firm' or 'whole'.
Memory tip
Think of a SOLID rock - firm and hard!
Word Origin
"firm, whole, unbroken"