weld
B2Technical/Industrial, General (when used metaphorically)
Definition
Meaning
To join two pieces of metal (or sometimes other materials) by heating them until they melt and fuse together, or by applying pressure.
To unite people, ideas, or things into a strong, cohesive whole.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary sense is highly technical and industrial. The metaphorical use implies a strong, inseparable bond, often created from diverse elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The metaphorical use is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes strength, permanence, and skilled craftsmanship in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger manufacturing and automotive discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
weld A and B (together)weld A to Bweld A (into B)be welded (together)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “weld into a team”
- “weld together a coalition”
- “welded at the hip (rare, play on 'joined at the hip')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically for mergers, team-building, or integrating departments. (e.g., 'The CEO's vision welded the disparate divisions into a single unit.')
Academic
Used in materials science, engineering, and history texts about social or political unification.
Everyday
Most common in DIY, automotive repair, or metaphorical contexts about relationships or groups.
Technical
Precise term for specific joining processes (MIG weld, TIG weld, forge weld).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The engineer will weld the chassis rails for extra rigidity.
- The tragedy served to weld the community together.
- Can you weld this bracket to the frame?
American English
- He needs to weld the exhaust pipe back on.
- The coach welded the rookie players into a championship team.
- They welded a patch over the hole in the tank.
adverb
British English
- The plates were welded securely.
- The team was welded tightly by shared goals.
- The parts are now welded permanently.
American English
- The frame is welded solidly to the foundation.
- The alliance was welded firmly after the treaty.
- Handle with care; it's welded on.
adjective
British English
- The weld joint passed the stress test.
- They inspected the weld quality.
- A weld repair was necessary.
American English
- The weld bead was consistent and clean.
- Weld strength is critical for safety.
- They offer weld certification courses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He can weld metal.
- The metal is welded.
- The mechanic welded the broken part of the car.
- The experience welded our friendship.
- Special equipment is required to weld aluminium effectively.
- The manager's charisma welded the staff into a highly motivated unit.
- The sculptor chose to weld scrap steel into a cohesive art installation.
- The treaty was intended to weld the two rival factions into a single political force.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'WELL-D'one job - a good WELD is done well and is deep and strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE PHYSICAL BONDS ('The shared experience welded them together for life.'); ORGANIZATIONS ARE STRUCTURES ('The new policy welded the company into a cohesive entity.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'veld' (степь). The Russian direct equivalent is 'сваривать' (to weld) or 'приваривать' (to weld on). The metaphorical use translates well to 'сплачивать'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'weld' (join by melting) with 'weld' as a noun for a joint (correct: 'The weld held.')
- Using 'weld' for gluing or bolting (it implies fusion).
- Misspelling as 'weald' (an old word for forest).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'weld' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but plastics can also be welded using heat or solvents. The term is overwhelmingly associated with metalworking.
Welding melts the base metals to join them. Soldering and brazing use a lower-melting-point filler metal (solder or brass) to join materials without melting the base pieces.
Yes. A 'weld' is the joint created by the welding process (e.g., 'Check the weld for cracks.').
It is more common in formal or literary contexts than in casual speech. In everyday talk, 'bond' or 'bring together' are more frequent.