fossilize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɒsɪlaɪz/
KK: /ˈfɑsəˌlaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To change into a fossil, which is the preserved remains or traces of ancient living things.
Example
Over millions of years, the remains of the dinosaur began to fossilize in the sediment.
Tense Forms
Past: fossilized
Past Participle: fossilized
Conversation
Did you know that some plants can fossilize over millions of years?
Really? I always thought it was just animals that did that.
Nope, even trees can fossilize and turn into beautiful stones.
That's fascinating! Nature is full of surprises.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
petrify
calcify
harden
Antonyms
decay
dissolve
decompose
transitive verb
Definition
To change something into a fossil, which is a preserved remains or impression of a living thing from the past.
Example
The remains of the ancient tree were fossilized over millions of years.
Tense Forms
Past: fossilized
Past Participle: fossilized
Conversation
Did you know that some plants can actually fossilize over millions of years?
That's fascinating! I never thought about how that happens.
Yeah, it's crazy to think about how things can become so ancient and out of date, almost like they fossilize in our memories.
Root Explanation
Fossilize → It is formed from "fossilis" (from Latin, meaning dug up) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating a process). The word "fossilize" means to undergo the process of becoming a fossil, or to preserve in a form that has been dug up from the earth.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been 'dug up' ('fossilis') and is undergoing a process ('-ize') to become a fossil. This helps you remember that fossilize means to turn into a fossil.
Visually Confused Words
unfossilized