liquidize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Standard (more common in culinary/technical contexts than general conversation)
Quick answer
What does “liquidize” mean?
to make a solid food into a liquid or smooth pulp, typically using a blender or food processor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to make a solid food into a liquid or smooth pulp, typically using a blender or food processor.
To liquefy; to convert assets into cash; to make something fluid or less rigid in form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'liquidize' is the standard term for the culinary action. In American English, 'liquefy' is more common for this meaning, though 'liquidize' is understood.
Connotations
In BrE, it's a neutral culinary term. In AmE, it can sound slightly technical or formal compared to 'blend' or 'purée'.
Frequency
More frequent in British English. American speakers more often use 'blend', 'purée', or 'liquefy'.
Grammar
How to Use “liquidize” in a Sentence
SVO (Subject Verb Object): She liquidized the tomatoes.SVOC (Subject Verb Object Complement): Liquidize the soup until smooth.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquidize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Liquidize the cooked vegetables to make a smooth sauce.
- The recipe says to liquidize the soup before serving.
American English
- Liquefy the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- The machine will liquidize the solid waste.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; 'liquidate' is preferred for converting assets to cash.
Academic
Used in chemistry/food science texts to describe phase change.
Everyday
Mostly in cooking instructions or discussions about making soups/smoothies.
Technical
Used in food processing, chemistry, and engineering contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquidize”
- Using 'liquidize' for melting metals (use 'melt' or 'smelt').
- Confusing 'liquidize' (process) with 'liquefy' (state change, more scientific).
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The fruit liquidized' is unnatural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Liquidize' implies achieving a fully liquid, smooth consistency, often from solids. 'Blend' can result in a mixture that is combined but not necessarily completely liquid (e.g., chunky).
It can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'liquidize assets'), but 'liquidate' is the more standard and precise term in financial contexts.
It is standard in British English. American English speakers will understand it but more commonly use 'liquefy', 'blend', or 'purée' for the culinary sense.
The process is 'liquidization', though 'liquefaction' is more common in scientific contexts. The machine is a 'liquidizer' (BrE) or 'blender' (AmE).
to make a solid food into a liquid or smooth pulp, typically using a blender or food processor.
Liquidize is usually standard (more common in culinary/technical contexts than general conversation) in register.
Liquidize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.wɪ.daɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.wəˌdaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LIQUID-izer: a machine that turns things INTO LIQUID.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLID IS RIGID / LIQUID IS FLUID (making problems/situations 'fluid' or manageable).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'liquidize' LEAST appropriate?