What is solid? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of solid

solidadjective

/ˈsɒlɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of solid

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "solid." Here's a breakdown with audio references if you want to hear it:

Pronunciation: /ˈsɒlɪd/ (This is using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Here's a more descriptive breakdown:

  • so-: This part sounds like "so" as in "soap." It's a short, quick vowel sound.
  • -lid: This part is the trickiest. It’s pronounced like "leed" - but with a slightly shorter "ee" sound than in "need." It's a very brief, unstressed syllable.

Putting it together: It’s a quick, clipped sound - so-leed.

Resources to hear it:

Common Mispronunciations:

  • Saying "so-lide": This is the most common mistake. Don’t add the extra "e" sound.

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Usage and examples with the word solid in English

Let's break down how to use the word "solid" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Physical Properties)

  • Meaning: Firm, stable, and not easily moved or broken. This is the most common usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The ice was solid and thick." (Describes texture – firm)
    • "He has a solid foundation of knowledge." (Describes stability – reliable)
    • "The solid wood table felt sturdy." (Describes physical strength)
    • "This brick wall is solid." (Describes firmness and resistance)

2. As an Adjective (Describing Character & People)

  • Meaning: Reliable, dependable, trustworthy, strong, and admirable.
  • Examples:
    • "She’s a solid friend – you can always count on her." (Describes trustworthiness)
    • "He’s a solid worker; he always gets the job done." (Describes dependability)
    • "He's a solid character, kind and honest." (Describes admirable qualities)

3. As a Verb (Meaning to Become Firm)

  • Meaning: To become hard, firm, or stable. Often used with ice or butter.
  • Examples:
    • "The ice began to solid as it froze."
    • "The butter will solid in the refrigerator."

4. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses

  • "Solid as a rock": This is a common idiom meaning extremely reliable and trustworthy. (Example: "My grandfather is solid as a rock.")
  • "Solid choice": Meaning a good or wise decision. (Example: "That was a solid choice – you won’t regret it.")
  • "Solid support": Providing strong and reliable assistance. (Example: "The team offered him solid support during the difficult time.")

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Examples
Adjective Firm, stable Solid ice, a solid wall
Adjective Reliable, dependable A solid friend, a solid worker
Verb To become firm The ice solided, the butter solided
Idiom Extremely reliable Solid as a rock

Tips for Using “Solid” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is being used in the sentence to understand its precise meaning.
  • Don't overuse it: Like any word, “solid” can sound repetitive if used too frequently.

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

  • What specifically are you trying to use "solid" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a situation, having a conversation)

Synonyms for the word solid

Idioms of the word solid

be on firm/solid ground
to be in a strong position in an argument, etc. because you know the facts
  • Everyone agreed with me, so I knew I was on firm ground.
  • He is probably on solid ground when he says we need more training.

Practice with vocabulary solid

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The engineers verified that the bridge's foundation was absolutely ______ before construction could proceed.
  2. After a week of heavy snowfall, the mountain trails were covered in a ______ layer of ice.
  3. The antique chair, despite its age, remained remarkably ______ and showed no signs of weakness.
  4. To address all concerns, the committee decided to conduct a ______ review of the entire project proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes the state of a diamond at room temperature? A) Gaseous B) Liquid C) Solid D) Plasma

  2. What qualities contribute to a reliable and trustworthy reputation in the professional world? (Choose all that apply) A) Fickle B) Consistent C) Solid D) Unpredictable

  3. Which words can describe a continuous period of intense effort without interruption? (Choose all that apply) A) Intermittent B) Solid C) Fragmented D) Unbroken

  4. The architectural design aimed for a ______ structure that could withstand extreme weather conditions. (Choose the most appropriate word) A) fragile B) flimsy C) resilient D) delicate

  5. The research team required ______ data to substantiate their groundbreaking hypothesis. (Choose the most appropriate word) A) unsubstantiated B) anecdotal C) speculative D) empirical

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company's financial position is very stable and dependable, which gives investors confidence. Rewrite using "solid" or a related word form:

  2. Original: Sarah spent five hours without stopping, preparing her presentation for the conference. Rewrite using "solid" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The team presented a very convincing argument supported by strong evidence. Rewrite (do not use "solid" or any related word form):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. solid
  2. solid
  3. sturdy
  4. comprehensive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Solid
  2. B) Consistent, C) Solid
  3. B) Solid, D) Unbroken
  4. C) resilient
  5. D) empirical

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company has a solid financial position, which gives investors confidence.
  2. Sarah spent five solid hours preparing her presentation for the conference.
  3. The team presented a very compelling argument supported by strong evidence.

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