cement
B2Neutral to formal in technical contexts; informal in metaphorical use.
Definition
Meaning
A grey powder made from limestone and clay that becomes hard when mixed with water, used in building to stick bricks together or make floors, walls, etc.
Any substance that hardens to act as an adhesive, binder, or filler; something that unites people or groups; to make a relationship, agreement, or idea stronger.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun when referring to the building material. As a verb, it often implies making something permanent or unbreakable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Pronunciation differs (see IPA). In UK English, 'concrete' and 'cement' are more carefully distinguished in technical contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. The metaphorical use ('cement a relationship') is equally common.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in business/political contexts (e.g., 'cement an alliance').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cement something (together)cement something in placecement something with somethingcement something between A and BVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cement over”
- “hard as cement”
- “in cement (fixed, unchangeable)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To make an agreement or partnership firm and lasting. 'The deal will cement their market dominance.'
Academic
In materials science, civil engineering, and geology. 'The study examines the carbon footprint of cement manufacturing.'
Everyday
Referring to DIY, building work, or relationships. 'We need another bag of cement to finish the patio.'
Technical
A hydraulic binder composed of calcium silicates and other compounds. 'The cement's compressive strength was tested after 28 days.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The treaty cemented the alliance between the two nations.
- They cemented the posts into the ground.
- The shared experience cemented their friendship.
American English
- The victory cemented her status as a champion.
- We need to cement these bricks in place.
- The scandal cemented his reputation for dishonesty.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard; 'cement' is not used attributively as a true adjective. Use 'cement-based' or similar.)
American English
- N/A (Not standard; 'cement' is not used attributively as a true adjective. Use 'cement' as a noun modifier: 'cement truck'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The builder used cement to make the wall.
- The floor is made of cement.
- We mixed the cement with sand and water.
- The agreement helped to cement peace in the region.
- The cement industry is a major source of CO2 emissions.
- Their marriage was cemented by years of mutual respect.
- Geopolymers are being researched as a potential low-carbon alternative to Portland cement.
- The cultural exchange programme served to cement diplomatic relations between the countries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CEMENT = 'See' + 'meant' → I *see* it was *meant* to stick things together permanently.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE BUILDINGS (to cement a friendship = to make it solid and permanent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'цемент' (correct).
- Avoid using 'cement' for 'concrete' (бетон) in precise technical contexts.
- The verb 'цементировать' maps directly to 'to cement' in metaphorical use.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cement' as a countable noun (*a cement) for the powder.
- Confusing 'cement' (the powder/binder) with 'concrete' (the finished material of cement + aggregate).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate technical distinction?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cement is a fine powder that acts as a binder. Concrete is the composite material made by mixing cement with water, sand, and gravel or crushed stone.
Yes, commonly. It means to fix in place or to make a relationship, idea, or agreement stronger and more permanent (e.g., 'cement a friendship').
The first vowel. UK: /sɪˈmɛnt/ (like 'sit'). US: /səˈmɛnt/ (like 'about' or a schwa).
Generally no when referring to the substance. It is typically a mass noun (e.g., 'some cement', 'a bag of cement'). It can be countable when referring to a type of cement (e.g., 'different cements have different properties').