liquefy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “liquefy” mean?
To make a solid become liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a solid become liquid; to turn into a liquid state.
To dissolve or make something less rigid or formal; in figurative use, to make assets easily convertible into cash.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK English occasionally accepts 'liquefy' and 'liquify' as variants, with 'liquefy' being more standard. US English strongly prefers 'liquefy'. Pronunciation of the second syllable may slightly differ.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK technical writing due to variant 'liquify', but 'liquefy' is the dominant form in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “liquefy” in a Sentence
[SVO] The heat will liquefy the wax.[SV] The metal began to liquefy.[SVO+A] They liquefied the gas for transport.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquefy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The warm weather will liquefy the ice on the pond.
- The process is designed to liquefy natural gas efficiently.
- Can you liquefy that jelly by heating it?
American English
- The heat liquefied the candle wax.
- They built a facility to liquefy nitrogen.
- The glacier's ice is beginning to liquefy at an alarming rate.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. Use 'in liquid form'.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. Use 'in liquid form'.
adjective
British English
- The liquefied gas is stored in insulated tanks.
- We need a liquefied butter mixture.
American English
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a major export.
- Add the liquefied gelatin to the bowl.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In finance, to convert assets into cash. 'The company needed to liquefy its holdings quickly.'
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, and engineering texts describing phase changes. 'The study examined conditions required to liquefy noble gases.'
Everyday
Used for cooking or describing melting. 'Let the butter liquefy in the pan.'
Technical
Essential in petrochemical and cryogenics industries. 'The plant uses extreme cold to liquefy natural gas (LNG).'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquefy”
- Misspelling as 'liquify' (though accepted as variant in UK).
- Confusing with 'liquidate'.
- Using for turning into water specifically (use 'liquefy' for any liquid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Liquefy' is more formal and technical, applicable to any solid (or gas) turning to liquid. 'Melt' is more everyday and usually implies heat acting on a solid, especially one that is solid at room temperature (e.g., ice, chocolate).
It is a long-standing variant, particularly found in UK English, but most modern dictionaries and style guides (especially in American English) list 'liquefy' as the standard and preferred spelling.
Yes, this is a very common technical usage. For example, natural gas is liquefied (turned into LNG) for storage and transport by cooling it to extremely low temperatures.
The primary noun is 'liquefaction'. For example, 'soil liquefaction' is a dangerous phenomenon during earthquakes where ground behaves like a liquid.
To make a solid become liquid.
Liquefy is usually technical, formal in register.
Liquefy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.wɪ.faɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.wə.faɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to liquefy assets”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LIQUid-iFY' – to make into a liquid.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLIDITY IS STABILITY, LIQUIDITY IS FLUX/FLOW (e.g., liquefying assets provides financial flow).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'liquefy' in a scientific context?