A solid substance or object stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not.
...the potential of greatly reducing our solid waste problem.
He did not eat solid food for several weeks.
2. countable noun
A solid is a substance that stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not.
Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures.
...the decomposition of solids.
3. adjective
A substance that is solid is very hard or firm.
The snow had melted, but the lake was still frozen solid.
The concrete will stay as solid as a rock.
4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A solid object or mass does not have a space inside it, or holes or gaps in it.
...a tunnel carved through 50ft of solid rock.
...a solid wall of multicoloured trees.
...a solid mass of colour.
The car park was absolutely packed solid with people.
Synonyms: firm, hard, compact, dense More Synonyms of solid
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If an object is made of solid gold or solid wood, for example, it is made of gold or wood all the way through, rather than just on the outside.
The taps appeared to be made of solid gold.
...solid wood doors.
...solid pine furniture.
Synonyms: pure, unalloyed, unmixed, complete More Synonyms of solid
6. adjective
A structure that is solid is strong and is not likely to collapse or fall over.
Banks are built to look solid to reassure their customers.
The car feels very solid.
solidlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
Their house, which was solidly built, resisted the main shock.
solidity (səlɪdɪti)uncountable noun
...the solidity of walls and floors. [+ of]
7. adjective
If you describe someone as solid, you mean that they are very reliable and respectable.
[approval]
You want a partner who is solid and stable.
Mr Zuma had a solid reputation as a grass roots organiser.
solidlyadverb
Graham is so solidly consistent.
solidityuncountable noun
He had the proverbial solidity of the English.
8. adjective
Solid evidence or information is reliable because it is based on facts.
We don't have good solid information on where the people are.
Some solid evidence was what was required.
He has a solid alibi.
Synonyms: sound, real, reliable, good More Synonyms of solid
9. adjective
You use solid to describe something such as advice or a piece of work which is useful and reliable.
The CIU provides churches with solid advice on a wide range of subjects.
All I am looking for is a good solid performance.
I've always felt that solid experience would stand me in good stead.
solidlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
She's played solidly throughout the spring.
10. adjective
You use solid to describe something such as the basis for a policy or support for an organization when it is strong, because it has been developed carefullyand slowly.
I am determined to build on this solid foundation.
...a nominee with solid support within the party.
...Washington's attempt to build a solid international coalition.
Synonyms: firm, united, unanimous, consistent More Synonyms of solid
solidlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
This district is solidly Republican.
So far, majority public opinion is solidly behind the government.
...a society based solidly on trust and understanding.
solidityuncountable noun
...doubts over the solidity of European backing for the American approach. [+ of]
11. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun, -ed ADJ]
If you do something for a solid period of time, you do it without any pause or interruption throughout that time.
We had worked together for two solid years.
solidlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
Dan has worked solidly at his music since his teens.
12. See also rock-solid
More Synonyms of solid
solid in British English
(ˈsɒlɪd)
adjective
1.
of, concerned with, or being a substance in a physical state in which it resists changes in size and shape
Compare liquid (sense 1), gas (sense 1)
2.
consisting of matter all through
3.
of the same substance all through
solid rock
4.
sound; proved or provable
solid facts
5.
reliable or sensible; upstanding
a solid citizen
6.
firm, strong, compact, or substantial
a solid table
solid ground
7.
(of a meal or food) substantial
8. (often postpositive)
without interruption or respite; continuous
solid bombardment
9.
financially sound or solvent
a solid institution
10.
strongly linked or consolidated
a solid relationship
11. geometry
having or relating to three dimensions
a solid figure
solid geometry
12.
(of a word composed of two or more other words or elements) written or printed as a single word without a hyphen
13. printing
with no space or leads between lines of type
14. solid for
15.
(of a writer, work, performance, etc) adequate; sensible
16.
of or having a single uniform colour or tone
17. New Zealand informal
excessive; unreasonably strict
noun
18. geometry
a.
a closed surface in three-dimensional space
b.
such a surface together with the volume enclosed by it
19.
a solid substance, such as wood, iron, or diamond
20. (plural)
solid food, as opposed to liquid
Derived forms
solidity (səˈlɪdɪtɪ)
noun
solidly (ˈsolidly)
adverb
solidness (ˈsolidness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Old French solide, from Latin solidus firm; related to Latin sollus whole
solid in American English
(ˈsɑlɪd)
adjective
1.
tending to keep its form rather than to flow or spread out like a liquid or gas; relatively firm or compact
2.
filled with matter throughout; not hollow
3.
a.
having the three dimensions of length, breadth, and thickness
prisms and other solid figures
b.
dealing with bodies or figures in three dimensions
4.
a.
firm, strong, and dependable
a solid structure
b.
substantial, sound, and reliable
solid reasoning
c.
sturdy or vigorous
a solid build, a solid punch
5.
serious; not superficial or trivial
solid scholarship
6.
complete, thoroughgoing, or genuine
solid satisfaction
7.
a.
having no breaks or divisions
a solid line of fortifications
b.
written or printed without a hyphen
a solid compound
8.
characterized by no pauses or interruptions
to talk for a solid hour
9.
a.
of one or the same color, material, or consistency throughout
a solid walnut table
b.
consisting of one unalloyed metal throughout; also, containing no more alloy than is necessary to insure hardness
said of gold, etc.
10. US
characterized by or showing complete unity; unanimous
a solid vote
11.
thick or dense in appearance or texture
a solid fog
12.
firm or dependable
a solid friendship
13. US, Informal
having a firmly favorable or good relationship
to be in solid with someone
14. Informal
healthful and filling
a solid meal
15. US, Slang
very good; excellent
a solid dance band
16. Printing
set without spaces between the lines of type
noun
17.
a substance that is solid, not a liquid or gas
18.
an object or figure having or represented as having length, breadth, and thickness
SIMILAR WORDS: firm
Derived forms
solidly (ˈsolidly)
adverb
solidness (ˈsolidness)
noun
Word origin
ME solide < MFr < L solidus < sollus, whole: see solemn
Examples of 'solid' in a sentence
solid
Her form on an easy surface is solid.
The Sun (2008)
She faced intense pressure to plead guilty despite a lack of solid evidence.
Christianity Today (2000)
There is also something solid about his build and posture.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The limited fresh fish range is supported by a solid frozen section.
Smith, Drew Food Watch (1994)
She asked me back to her place that night and she coached me for two solid hours.
The Sun (2016)
The point is that these pieces were made from solid wood by craftsmen.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The reassuringly solid build and sleek finish make it feel that it really should cost more.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was a very solid away performance.
The Sun (2014)
Real success takes commitment so build solid foundations first.
The Sun (2013)
Knee boots work providing they hug the calf and have a good solid heel.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Why is he so obsessed with solid foods?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It has had a solid base and the signings have added quality.
The Sun (2016)
We were very solid and strong and my keeper did not have to make a save.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It goes from being a solid to a liquid.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This will secure it to your head and give a nice chunky risen shape and a solid sweep behind.
The Sun (2010)
It is made of solid gold and a new one is made each year for the winning owner to keep.
The Sun (2010)
The department is unsure if the figure represents the whole industry and officials expressed exasperation about the lack of solid evidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Very consistent performer, solid and reliable.
The Sun (2009)
China and other strong economies such as the oil-rich nations have the solid gold bar.
The Sun (2010)
It launches its new Minerva range of solid acrylic surfaces next month.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A seemingly solid wall crumbled.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Where birch trees grow close together, in woods or small clumps, they are a solid mass of rich yellow.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
solid
British English: solid /ˈsɒlɪd/ ADJECTIVE
not liquid or gas Something that is solid stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not.
The walls are made from solid concrete blocks.
American English: solid
Arabic: صِلْب
Brazilian Portuguese: sólido
Chinese: 固体的
Croatian: čvrst
Czech: pevný
Danish: solid
Dutch: solide
European Spanish: sólido
Finnish: kiinteä olomuoto
French: solide
German: fest
Greek: στερεός
Italian: solido
Japanese: 固体の
Korean: 고체의
Norwegian: solid
Polish: stały substancja
European Portuguese: sólido
Romanian: solid
Russian: твердый
Latin American Spanish: sólido
Swedish: fast solid
Thai: แข็ง
Turkish: katı maddenin hali
Ukrainian: твердий
Vietnamese: rắn thể
British English: solid /ˈsɒlɪd/ ADJECTIVE
not hollow Something that is solid is not hollow.
They had to cut through 5 feet of solid rock.
American English: solid
Arabic: مُصْمَت
Brazilian Portuguese: sólido
Chinese: 实心的
Croatian: krut
Czech: plnýnikoli dutý
Danish: hård
Dutch: solide
European Spanish: macizo
Finnish: kiinteä
French: pleinrempli
German: durchgehend
Greek: συμπαγής
Italian: solido
Japanese: 中が詰まっている
Korean: 단단한
Norwegian: massiv
Polish: wytrzymały
European Portuguese: sólido
Romanian: compact
Russian: цельный
Latin American Spanish: sólido
Swedish: fast
Thai: ตัน
Turkish: katı
Ukrainian: цільний
Vietnamese: đặc
British English: solid NOUN
A solid is a substance that stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not.
Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures.
American English: solid
Brazilian Portuguese: sólido
Chinese: 固体
European Spanish: sólido
French: solide
German: fester Stoff
Italian: solido
Japanese: 固体
Korean: 고체
European Portuguese: sólido
Latin American Spanish: sólido
All related terms of 'solid'
solid for
unanimously in favour of
rock-solid
Something that is rock-solid is extremely hard.
solid angle
a geometric surface consisting of lines originating from a common point (the vertex ) and passing through a closed curve or polygon : measured in steradians
solid food
food that is not liquid
solid fuel
Solid fuel is fuel such as coal or wood , that is solid rather than liquid or gas.
solid model
A solid model is a representation of a solid (= not liquid or gas ) object produced by a computer and used in simulation .
solid proof
Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
Solid South
those Southern States traditionally regarded as solidly supporting the Democratic Party
solid-state
Solid-state electronic equipment is made using transistors or silicon chips , instead of valves or other mechanical parts.
solid word
a word written or printed as single word without a hyphen
solid figure
a figure that has three dimensions
solid ground
You can use ground in expressions such as on shaky ground and the same ground to refer to a particular subject, area of experience , or basis for an argument .
solid rocket
any of various rockets using solid fuel
Platonic solid
any of the five possible regular polyhedra : cube , tetrahedron , octahedron , icosahedron , and dodecahedron
solid compound
a word formed from two or more other words or elements , written or printed as single word without a hyphen
solid geometry
the branch of geometry concerned with the properties of three-dimensional geometric figures
solid injection
injection of fuel directly into the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine without the assistance of an air blast to atomize the fuel
solid solution
a crystalline material in which two or more elements or compounds share a common lattice
solid dispersion
Solid dispersion is the process of dispersing a solid through a liquid in order to increase contact .
solid foundation
The foundation of something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based.
solid propellant
a domestic or industrial fuel , such as coal or coke , that is a solid rather than an oil or gas
solid-fuel heating
heating that uses solid fuel , such as coal or coke
solid-state physics
the branch of physics concerned with experimental and theoretical investigations of the properties of solids, such as superconductivity , photoconductivity , and ferromagnetism
solid dose formulation
A solid dose formation is a hard tablet made by compressing medicine in a powder form.
fully booked/booked solid
If a hotel , restaurant , theatre , or transport service is fully booked , or booked solid , it is booked up.
booked up/fully booked/booked solid
If transportation or a hotel , restaurant , or theater is booked up , fully booked , or booked solid , it has no tickets , rooms, or tables left for a particular time or date .
Chinese translation of 'solid'
solid
(ˈsɔlɪd)
adj
(= not soft) 坚(堅)实(實)的 (jiānshí de)
(= without gaps) 紧(緊)密的 (jǐnmì de)
(= not liquid) 固体(體)的 (gùtǐ de)
(= reliable)
[person]可信赖(賴)的 (kě xìnlài de)
[advice, experience]确(確)实(實)的 (quèshí de)
[evidence, information]有根据(據)的 (yǒu gēnjù de)
(= strong)[structure]牢固的 (láogù de)
(= unbroken)[months, years]整整的 (zhěngzhěng de)
(= pure)[gold, oak]纯(純)质(質)的 (chúnzhì de)
adv
I read for 2 hours solid我阅(閱)读(讀)了整整两(兩)个(個)小时(時) (wǒ yuèdúle zhěngzhěng liǎng gè xiǎoshí)
n(c)
固体(體) (gùtǐ)
Derived Forms
solidsn pl (= food) 非流食 (fēilíushí)
1 (adjective)
Definition
consisting of matter all through
a tunnel carved through 50ft of solid rock
Synonyms
firm
Fruit should be firm and excellent in condition.
hard
He stamped his feet on the hard floor.
compact
a thick, bare trunk crowned by a compact mass of dark-green leaves
dense
a large, dense forest
massed
concrete
Opposites
unsubstantial
,
liquid
,
hollow
,
permeable
,
gaseous
2 (adjective)
Definition
firm, strong, or substantial
I stared up at the square, solid house.
Synonyms
strong
Around its summit, a strong wall had been built.
stable
This structure must be stable.
sturdy
The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod.
sound
a perfectly sound building
substantial
those fortunate enough to have a fairly substantial property to sell
durable
Fine bone china is strong and durable.
well-built
The suspect is well built, of medium height, and with dark hair.
well-constructed
unshakable
Opposites
unstable
,
precarious
,
flimsy
,
crumbling
,
decaying
,
shaky
,
unsteady
3 (adjective)
Definition
of the same substance all through
The taps appeared to be made of solid gold.
Synonyms
pure
The ancient alchemists tried to transmute base metals into pure gold.
unalloyed
unmixed
complete
genuine
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
4 (adjective)
Definition
without interruption
a solid line
Synonyms
continuous
Residents reported that they heard continuous gunfire.
unbroken
The ruling party has governed the country for an unbroken thirty years.
uninterrupted
five years of rapid and uninterrupted growth
5 (adjective)
Definition
law-abiding and respectable
a good, solid member of the community
Synonyms
reliable
She was efficient and reliable.
decent
dependable
He was a good friend and a dependable companion.
upstanding
serious
constant
sensible
worthy
worthy members of the community
upright
sober
law-abiding
trusty
a trusty member of the crew
level-headed
estimable
Opposites
unstable
,
irresponsible
,
unreliable
,
unsteady
,
unsound
,
flighty
6 (adjective)
Definition
proved or provable
Some solid evidence was what was required.
Synonyms
sound
a sound financial proposition
real
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
reliable
There is no reliable evidence.
good
She's been a good friend to me over the years.
genuine
She is a very caring and genuine person.
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
He was a fair dinkum bloke with no pretensions.
Opposites
unreliable
,
unsound
7 (adjective)
Definition
strongly united or established
an attempt to build a solid international coalition
Synonyms
firm
united
Every party is united on the need for parliamentary democracy.
unanimous
the unanimous vote for Hungarian membership
consistent
undivided
a passionate appeal for a united, undivided South Africa
of one mind
Additional synonyms
in the sense of compact
Definition
closely packed together
a thick, bare trunk crowned by a compact mass of dark-green leaves
Synonyms
closely packed,
firm,
solid,
thick,
dense,
compressed,
condensed,
impenetrable,
impermeable,
pressed together
in the sense of dense
Definition
thickly crowded or closely packed
a large, dense forest
Synonyms
thick,
close,
heavy,
solid,
substantial,
compact,
compressed,
condensed,
impenetrable,
close-knit,
thickset
in the sense of dependable
Definition
reliable and trustworthy
He was a good friend and a dependable companion.
Synonyms
reliable,
sure,
responsible,
steady,
faithful,
staunch,
reputable,
trustworthy,
trusty,
go-to,
unfailing
Synonyms of 'solid'
solid
Explore 'solid' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dinkum
Definition
genuine or right
He was a fair dinkum bloke with no pretensions.
Synonyms
genuine,
honest,
natural,
frank,
sincere,
candid,
upfront (informal),
artless,
guileless
in the sense of durable
Definition
strong and long-lasting
Fine bone china is strong and durable.
Synonyms
hard-wearing,
strong,
tough,
sound,
substantial,
reliable,
resistant,
sturdy,
long-lasting,
well made,
imperishable,
made to last
in the sense of genuine
Definition
real and exactly what it appears to be
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
Synonyms
authentic,
real,
original,
actual,
sound,
true,
pure,
sterling,
valid,
legitimate,
honest,
veritable,
bona fide,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
pukka,
the real McCoy
in the sense of genuine
Definition
(of a person) honest and without pretence
She is a very caring and genuine person.
Synonyms
sincere,
straightforward,
honest,
natural,
frank,
candid,
upfront (informal),
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
artless,
guileless
in the sense of good
Definition
reliable or recommended
She's been a good friend to me over the years.
Synonyms
true,
real,
genuine,
proper,
reliable,
dependable,
sound,
trustworthy,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of hard
Definition
firm, solid, or rigid
He stamped his feet on the hard floor.
Synonyms
tough,
strong,
firm,
solid,
stiff,
compact,
rigid,
resistant,
dense,
compressed,
stony,
impenetrable,
inflexible,
unyielding,
rocklike
in the sense of real
Definition
actual
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
Synonyms
true,
actual,
genuine,
concrete,
sincere,
tangible,
honest,
factual,
existent,
palpable,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
unimagined,
unfeigned
in the sense of stable
Definition
steady in position or balance
This structure must be stable.
Synonyms
solid,
firm,
secure,
fixed,
substantial,
sturdy,
durable,
well-made,
well-built,
immovable,
built to last
in the sense of sturdy
Definition
(of a piece of furniture, shoes, etc.) strongly built or made
The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod.
Synonyms
substantial,
secure,
solid,
durable,
well-made,
well-built,
built to last
in the sense of substantial
Definition
solid or strong
those fortunate enough to have a fairly substantial property to sell
Synonyms
solid,
sound,
sturdy,
strong,
firm,
massive,
hefty,
durable,
bulky,
well-built
Additional synonyms
in the sense of trusty
Definition
faithful or reliable
a trusty member of the crew
Synonyms
reliable,
dependable,
trustworthy,
responsible,
solid,
strong,
firm,
true,
steady,
faithful,
straightforward,
upright,
honest,
staunch
in the sense of unanimous
Definition
characterized by complete agreement
the unanimous vote for Hungarian membership
Synonyms
united,
common,
concerted,
solid,
consistent,
harmonious,
undivided,
congruent,
concordant,
unopposed
in the sense of unbroken
Definition
continuous
The ruling party has governed the country for an unbroken thirty years.
Synonyms
continuous,
uninterrupted,
constant,
successive,
endless,
progressive,
incessant,
ceaseless,
unremitting
in the sense of undivided
Definition
not separated into different parts or groups
a passionate appeal for a united, undivided South Africa
Synonyms
united,
whole,
entire,
unanimous,
concerted,
solid
in the sense of uninterrupted
Definition
continuous, with no breaks or interruptions
five years of rapid and uninterrupted growth
Synonyms
continuous,
constant,
steady,
sustained,
continual,
unbroken,
undisturbed,
unending,
nonstop
in the sense of united
Definition
in agreement
Every party is united on the need for parliamentary democracy.
Synonyms
in agreement,
agreed,
unanimous,
one,
like-minded,
in accord,
of like mind,
of one mind,
of the same opinion
in the sense of well-built
Definition
strong and well-proportioned
The suspect is well built, of medium height, and with dark hair.