What is fixed? Pronunciation and usage in English

fixed means . Learn how to pronounce and use fixed through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fixed

fixedadjective

/fɪkst/
Definition & pronunciation of fixed

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fixed." It's a bit tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Basic Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • Fih-sted (IPA: /fɪkst/)

    • "Fi-": Pronounced like the "fee" in "feeble" or the "fizz" in "fizzing." It's a short, sharp sound.
    • "-sted": This is where people often stumble. It’s pronounced like “st” as in “stop,” followed by “ed,” but with a slightly shorter and more clipped "ed" sound. It's not the long, drawn-out "ed" you hear at the end of some verbs (like "baked").

2. Slightly Different Variations (Less Common, but Possible):

  • Fix-id (IPA: /fɪkst/) - This is sometimes heard, particularly in certain regional accents, where the "i" sound is emphasized slightly.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how native English speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "fixed" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fixed/ - A website with pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce fixed" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.
  • Focus on the Short “i” Sound: The first syllable ("fi") uses a short, quick “i” like in “bit.”
  • Don’t Over-elongate the "ed": The final "ed" is not drawn out. It’s a quick, clipped sound.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Knowing your native language can help me explain any specific pronunciation differences.)

Usage and examples with the word fixed in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fixed" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and usages! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - To Repair)

  • Meaning: To repair something that’s broken or malfunctioning.
  • Examples:
    • “I fixed my bike tire.” (Repaired)
    • “The mechanic fixed my car.” (Repaired)
    • “She fixed the leaky faucet.” (Repaired)
    • "Can you fix this broken computer?" (Repair)

2. As a Verb (Action - To Correct/Resolve)

  • Meaning: To correct a mistake, solve a problem, or make something right. This is a very common use.
  • Examples:
    • “I fixed my mistake on the report.” (Corrected)
    • “The programmer fixed the bug in the code.” (Resolved a problem)
    • “He fixed the argument between them.” (Resolved a conflict)
    • "I need to fix this problem with my internet." (Solve a problem)

3. As an Adjective (Describing Something That Is Repaired)

  • Meaning: Describes something that has been repaired or made functional again.
  • Examples:
    • “I have a fixed bicycle.” (Repaired bicycle)
    • “The fixed toilet works perfectly now.” (Repaired toilet)
    • “He wore a fixed piece of jewelry.” (Repaired, restored jewelry)

4. As an Adjective (Describing a Person's Attitude – Calm/Collected)

  • Meaning: Describes someone who remains calm and composed, especially in a difficult or stressful situation. This is a more idiomatic use.
  • Examples:
    • “Even when things went wrong, she remained fixed.” (Calm and composed)
    • "He was fixed on his goal, ignoring distractions." (Focused and determined)
    • "She has a fixed stare – she doesn't blink much." (Intense, unwavering)

5. Phrasal Verbs with "Fixed"

  • "Fix up": To improve or renovate something. “They're going to fix up the old house.”
  • “Fix something with”: To solve or deal with something. “He fixed me up with a ride home.” (meaning he arranged for a ride)
  • “Get fixed”: To be repaired (often used about cars or appliances). “My car needs to get fixed.”
  • “Fixate on”: To become overly preoccupied with something. “He was fixated on the details of the contract.”

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb (Action) Repair “I fixed the broken vase.”
Verb (Action) Correct/Resolve “She fixed the typo in the email.”
Adjective Repaired “The fixed car started smoothly.”
Adjective Calm/Composed (Idiomatic) “He was fixed during the crisis.”

Tips for Using "Fixed" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "fixed" depends entirely on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Pay attention to the tense: “Fixed” (past tense) describes an action that has already happened. "Is fixed" (present perfect) describes a state that has a result in the present.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "fixed" in? (e.g., a sentence, a conversation, etc.)
  • What is the specific context you're working with?

Synonyms for the word fixed

Idioms of the word fixed

how are you, etc. fixed (for something)?
(informal)used to ask how much of something a person has, or to ask about arrangements
  • How are you fixed for cash?
  • How are we fixed for Saturday (= have we arranged to do anything)?

Practice with vocabulary fixed

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The IT department successfully ____ the network connection issue, restoring access for all employees.
  2. The exchange rate remained ____ for the entire fiscal quarter, providing stability for international trade.
  3. Despite the unexpected challenges, the team's commitment to the project remained ____.
  4. The manager carefully ____ the new policies to all staff members during the morning briefing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The malfunctioning machinery requires immediate attention; it needs to be ____ before production can resume. a) adjusted b) repaired c) fixed d) updated

  2. The company's policy states that prices are ____ and not subject to negotiation. a) negotiable b) stable c) fixed d) flexible

  3. The new security cameras are ____ to the ceiling with specialized mounts. a) attached b) secured c) fixed d) placed

  4. Before the presentation, the marketing team decided to ____ the slides to include more recent data. a) revise b) modify c) alter d) present

  5. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the conference date had to be ____. a) postponed b) confirmed c) adjusted d) rescheduled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The technical issue with the server was eventually resolved after hours of troubleshooting. Rewrite using "fixed" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The terms and conditions of the contract are not subject to change once agreed upon. Rewrite using "fixed" or a related word form:
  3. Original: It is crucial to correct any inaccuracies in the data before presenting the report. Rewrite NOT using "fixed":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The IT department successfully fixed the network connection issue, restoring access for all employees.
  2. The exchange rate remained fixed for the entire fiscal quarter, providing stability for international trade.
  3. Despite the unexpected challenges, the team's commitment to the project remained unwavering.
  4. The manager carefully communicated the new policies to all staff members during the morning briefing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) repaired, c) fixed
  2. c) fixed
  3. a) attached, b) secured, c) fixed
  4. a) revise, b) modify, c) alter
  5. a) postponed, d) rescheduled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The technical issue with the server was eventually fixed after hours of troubleshooting.
  2. The terms and conditions of the contract are fixed once agreed upon.
  3. It is crucial to amend any inaccuracies in the data before presenting the report.

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