liquify: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Semi-Formal
Quick answer
What does “liquify” mean?
To make or become liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make or become liquid.
To convert a solid or gas into a liquid state; to make something more fluid or adaptable; metaphorically, to dissolve boundaries or rigid structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both spellings are used in both varieties, but 'liquefy' is strongly preferred in formal British English and technical contexts. American English shows marginally more tolerance for 'liquify' in general use.
Connotations
'Liquefy' carries a more precise, scientific connotation. 'Liquify' can be perceived as slightly more general or commercial (e.g., in product names like 'liquify mascara').
Frequency
'Liquefy' is significantly more frequent in edited texts, corpora, and academic publications in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “liquify” in a Sentence
[Subject] liquifies [Object] (transitive)[Subject] liquifies (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquify” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The application of heat will liquify the wax.
- They developed a process to liquify carbon dioxide.
- The chocolate began to liquify in the sun.
American English
- We need to liquify the natural gas before shipping.
- The plastic will liquify at that temperature.
- The goal is to liquify the assets for quick sale.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'liquefied' or 'liquid'.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'liquefied' or 'liquid'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing or energy sectors (e.g., 'The plant uses pressure to liquify natural gas for transport').
Academic
Found in chemistry, physics, and geology texts to describe phase changes (e.g., 'The intense heat will liquify the bedrock').
Everyday
Used for cooking or describing melting (e.g., 'The butter will liquify in the microwave').
Technical
Precise term in chemical engineering, cryogenics, and food science for controlled phase transition.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquify”
- Misspelling as 'liquify' in formal contexts where 'liquefy' is expected.
- Using 'liquify' intransitively for substances that normally 'melt' (e.g., 'Ice liquifies' is less natural than 'Ice melts').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'liquify' is an accepted variant found in many dictionaries. However, 'liquefy' is the original and more common spelling, especially in formal and scientific English.
Both involve becoming liquid, but 'melt' is the general term for solids turning to liquid (especially by heat). 'Liquify' (or 'liquefy') can be used more broadly for solids OR gases turning to liquid, often through a combination of pressure and temperature, and sounds more technical.
Yes, metaphorically. It's used in finance (liquify assets), sociology, and business to describe making something more fluid, flexible, or easily convertible (e.g., 'liquify boundaries').
You should consistently use 'liquefy'. It is the standard spelling in academic, scientific, and technical writing. Check your style guide, but 'liquefy' is the safer choice to avoid criticism.
To make or become liquid.
Liquify is usually technical/semi-formal in register.
Liquify: 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
- “[No common idioms specific to 'liquify']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'liquid' + '-ify' (to make). You 'liqu-ify' something to turn it into a liquid.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUIDITY IS CHANGE/FLEXIBILITY (e.g., 'The new policies will liquify the rigid bureaucracy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the spelling 'liquify' LEAST appropriate?