congeal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /kənˈdʒiːl/
KK: /kənˈdʒil/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become solid or thick, often as a result of cooling or freezing.
Example
The soup will congeal if you leave it in the refrigerator for too long.
Tense Forms
Past: congealed
Past Participle: congealed
Conversation
Have you ever noticed how the soup starts to congeal if you leave it out too long?
Yeah, it's kind of gross when that happens!
Right? I always try to put it away before it can congeal.
Good idea! I hate when food gets all weird like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coagulate
harden
solidify
Antonyms
liquefy
melt
dissolve
transitive verb
Definition
To make a liquid become solid or thicker, often by cooling or by a chemical process.
Example
When the temperature drops, the fat will congeal and become solid.
Tense Forms
Past: congealed
Past Participle: congealed
Conversation
What happens if you let the soup sit too long?
It might congeal and become thick, which isn't great.
Yeah, I prefer it when it's nice and warm.
Root Explanation
Congeal → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "gelare" (meaning to freeze or solidify). The word describes the process of coming together to become solid or frozen.
Memory Tip
Think of things coming 'together' ('con-') to 'freeze' ('gelare') into a solid form — that's what congeal means.
Visually Confused Words
uncongeal
recongeal
corneal
conceal
conal
longeval
conveyal
conjugal