melt - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
melt Word Meanings
- to change from a solid to a liquid
- to soften or dissolve
- to be emotionally touched or affected
melt Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
melt Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/mɛlt/
US
/mɛlt/
melt Word Etymology
melt (mel- = to soften, -t = verb form) → Old English 'myltan' → Middle English 'melten' → English. Imagine ice cubes in a warm drink slowly changing into liquid water.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift a solid block of chocolate and move it toward a warm flame, watching it soften. I adjust the position of my hand and wait as the solid becomes liquid. The scent fills the room and a knot in my chest begins to loosen, as if I could melt away the stress. In everyday life, melt shows up as a small change you feel in your body when heat, time, or attention turns something hard into something easier to handle.
Real Context
Melt is a versatile verb describing a solid turning into a liquid under heat, as when ice cubes melt in a hot drink or chocolate melts in your mouth. It can also mean to soften or dissolve something by heat, such as butter melting in a pan. Metaphorically, melt can express strong emotion, as in a scene that melts your heart. Common phrases include melt away (to disappear gradually) and melt down (to lose control or become overwhelmed). Note the distinction from dissolve (a solid dispersing in a liquid) and soften (to become less hard, not necessarily liquid). Use melt for actual state change, not just texture change.
Usage Reminders
- Melt describes a state change from solid to liquid.
- Do not confuse with dissolve, which means a substance disperses, not necessarily liquefies.
- Use heat or a natural process to trigger melting of a solid.
- Melt can be literal or metaphorical (emotions).
- Watch for phrasal verbs: melt away, melt down.
Common Misconceptions
- Melt only happens with ice or snow.
- Melt and dissolve are the same thing.
- Melt always requires high heat.
- Melt cannot be used for emotions.
- Melt is the same as soften.
Thinking Differences
Native English speakers often think of melt as a physical process or emotional reaction; learners must distinguish state-change verbs from verbs describing dispersion (dissolve) or softening.
Learning Tips
- Learn common melt verbs with foods and metals.
- Practice the phrasal verbs melt away and melt down.
- Distinguish melt from dissolve and soften.
- Use figurative sentences to express emotion.
- Visualize solids turning liquid to remember the concept.
- Listen for native usage in cooking shows or science videos.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'melt' mean?
A.To change from a solid to a liquid, usually by heating
B.To become colder and harden
C.To break into many pieces suddenly
D.To speak softly to someone
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'melt' correctly?
A.They tried to melt the car to the top of the hill.
B.She had to melt the meeting because too many people were absent.
C.The candle will melt as it heats up.
D.He tried to melt his homework into the desk to hide it.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'melt'?
A.solidify
B.freeze
C.liquefy
D.evaporate
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite of 'melt'?
A.freeze
B.liquefy
C.boil
D.dissolve
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario that shows the meaning of 'melt' without using the word itself?
A.Can you think of a time when ice turned into water on a sunny sidewalk?
B.Describe a moment when metal became harder after cooling in air.
C.Explain a situation where sugar disappeared when stirred into coffee.
D.Tell about a scene where ice formed sharp crystals overnight.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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