icel.
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The solid, frozen state of water.
Any frozen substance resembling water ice; to cover with ice; to become covered with ice; to chill; a metaphorical reference to coldness or lack of emotion; a slang term for diamonds or methamphetamine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete mass noun ('ice on the lake'), but also used as a countable noun for individual pieces ('an ice in my drink') and as a verb. Abstract uses denote emotional coldness or danger ('thin ice').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'ice' as a countable noun often refers specifically to an ice cream or ice lolly, especially for children ('I want an ice, Mummy'). In US English, this usage is rare; 'ice cream' or 'popsicle' is used. The phrase 'on ice' (meaning postponed/held in reserve) is more common in AmE.
Connotations
Similar connotations of coldness and danger. 'To break the ice' is universal.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties, with minor collocational preferences (e.g., 'ice hockey' vs. 'ice skating' - both used, but regional sports popularity differs).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] ice [V] (The ice melted.)[V] ice [NP] (She iced the cake.)[V] [NP] with ice (He filled the glass with ice.)[NP] be iced over/up (The lake was iced over.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “break the ice”
- “on ice”
- “on thin ice”
- “cut no ice”
- “the ice maiden”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The project has been put on ice.' (postponed)
Academic
'The core samples revealed ancient ice layers.'
Everyday
'Could you put some more ice in this drink, please?'
Technical
'The wing requires de-icing before takeoff.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She iced the Christmas cake with royal icing.
- The car windscreen had iced over overnight.
American English
- He iced his sprained ankle immediately.
- The referee iced the kicker with a timeout.
adjective
British English
- He gave her an ice-cold glare.
- The conditions were ice-free for sailing.
American English
- She ordered an iced coffee.
- The roads were extremely icy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ice in my drink is melting.
- Be careful, the path is very icy!
- We need to break the ice at the start of the workshop.
- The lake was covered with a thick layer of ice.
- The government's controversial plan has been put on ice indefinitely.
- His voice was ice-cold when he delivered the news.
- The diplomat was renowned for her ice-maiden demeanour during tense negotiations.
- Glaciologists are studying the rapid calving of ice from the glacier's terminus.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'ICE' carved into a block of ice.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS TEMPERATURE / LACK OF EMOTION IS COLD ('an icy stare', 'ice in her veins'). DIFFICULTY IS A HAZARDOUS SURFACE ('on thin ice').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'ice' as 'лёд' in the countable noun sense for 'ice cream' (UK).
- The idiom 'break the ice' (сломать лёд) is a direct translation but ensure the metaphorical social context is understood.
- Avoid using 'ice' for 'glass' (стакан) - a common false friend.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I ate a ice.' Correct: 'I ate an ice.' (UK) / 'I had an ice cream.' (US)
- Incorrect: 'There is many ice in my glass.' Correct: 'There is a lot of ice in my glass.' (uncountable mass noun)
- Incorrect spelling: 'ise'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'ice' used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily an uncountable mass noun ('ice on the road'). However, it can be countable when referring to individual pieces or, in British English, a portion of ice cream ('two ices, please').
'Icy' describes something covered with or consisting of ice, or metaphorically very cold ('icy road', 'icy tone'). 'Iced' describes something that has been cooled with ice, or covered with icing ('iced tea', 'iced bun').
It means to have no influence or effect on someone or something. 'His excuses cut no ice with his strict teacher.'
Black ice is a thin, transparent coating of ice on a road or pavement, making it extremely slippery and hard to see because it blends with the asphalt. It is particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.