fix
fix
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "fix" is /fɪks/.
fix: /fɪks/
Word Form Variations
Verb: fix (base form), fixes (third person singular present), fixed (past tense, past participle), fixing (present participle)
Noun: fix (singular), fixes (plural)
Adjective: fixed, fixable
Adverb: fixedly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Fix
To repair or mend something that is broken, damaged, or not working correctly.
Synonyms: repair, mend, restore, correct, overhaul, adjust
Antonyms: break, damage, spoil, worsen, destroy
To attach or secure (something) firmly in position.
Synonyms: fasten, attach, secure, affix, set, anchor
Antonyms: detach, loosen, remove, unfasten
To arrange or decide on (a date, time, or price) precisely.
Synonyms: set, determine, establish, arrange, schedule, designate
Antonyms: change, alter, postpone, fluctuate, unset
To prepare (food or drink). (Informal, mainly US)
Synonyms: prepare, make, cook, whip up
Antonyms: consume, eat, spoil
To influence the outcome of (a race, game, or election) illegally or unfairly.
Synonyms: rig, tamper with, manipulate, falsify, orchestrate
Antonyms: play fair, legitimize
Noun
Fix
A difficult or awkward situation; a predicament.
Synonyms: predicament, jam (informal), tight spot, bind, dilemma, quandary
Antonyms: solution, ease, advantage, good fortune, simple situation
A dose of an addictive drug. (Slang)
Synonyms: hit, shot, dose
Antonyms: withdrawal, detox
A repair or solution.
Synonyms: repair, solution, remedy, quick fix (informal)
Antonyms: problem, damage, breakage
Adjective
Fixed
Firmly attached or established; not moving or changing.
Synonyms: established, set, stable, permanent, immovable, unchangeable
Antonyms: movable, changeable, variable, temporary, unstable
Fixable
Able to be repaired or corrected.
Synonyms: repairable, mendable, restorable, salvageable
Antonyms: irreparable, unfixable, broken beyond repair
Adverb
Fixedly
In a steady, unwavering, or determined manner, typically referring to gaze or attention.
Synonyms: intently, steadily, unblinkingly, resolutely, intently
Antonyms: shiftily, fleetingly, waveringly, distractedly
Examples of Use
Books
DIY/Repair Manuals: Books on home improvement or electronics repair explicitly explain how to "fix" various items. "Learn to fix a leaky faucet with these simple steps" (Reader's Digest, March 2022).
Fiction: Characters might try to "fix a broken relationship," "fix a meal," or find themselves "in a serious fix." "He promised to fix the old car for her."
Business/Finance: Books on corporate strategy might discuss how companies try to "fix their ailing business models."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on efforts to "fix" systemic problems or a government trying to "fix the economy." A headline might read, "Lawmakers Aim to Fix Healthcare System" (The Washington Post, June 2025). Crime reports might cover schemes to "fix a game" or "a race."
Technology Columns: Articles often give advice on how to "fix common tech issues." "Here's how to fix a frozen smartphone."
Sports Sections: A sports scandal might involve accusations of a "fixed match."
Online Publications
Tech Support/Troubleshooting Guides: Websites provide step-by-step instructions on how to "fix computer errors," "fix phone issues," or "fix internet connectivity problems." "How to fix Wi-Fi not working on your laptop."
Cooking Blogs/Recipe Sites: Many blogs feature recipes for quick meals, often using the phrase "how to fix dinner in 30 minutes."
Social Media: Users share tips on how to "fix things around the house" or lament being "in a real fix" over a personal dilemma. "Just found a great hack to fix chipped nail polish!"
DIY YouTube Channels: Creators demonstrate how to "fix everything from cars to household appliances."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Drama/Thriller): Characters are often trying to "fix a problem," "fix their past mistakes," or find themselves "in a tight fix." A secret agent might have to "fix the evidence." "I'm in a bit of a fix here."
Video Games: Quests often involve finding a way to "fix a broken machine" or "fix a situation." Players might use items to "fix their damaged armor."
Music: Song lyrics sometimes express a desire to "fix a broken heart" or a broken world. "Can't nobody fix me but you."
Podcasts: Self-help podcasts might discuss strategies to "fix bad habits." True-crime podcasts might describe how criminals tried to "fix the blame" on someone else.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Can you fix my phone?" or "I need to fix dinner." "I'm in a real fix right now." "Let's fix a date for our meeting."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss how to "fix a bug in the software," "fix a deadline," or "fix a process that isn't working." "We need to fix this problem immediately."
Home Maintenance: Homeowners frequently talk about needing to "fix something in the house."
Sports: Fans might discuss accusations of a game being "fixed."
Figurative Use: Phrases like "get a quick fix" (a temporary solution or immediate gratification) or "to be in a fix" are common.
10 Quotes Using Fix
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." (Common Proverb)
"You can't fix stupid." (Common Saying)
"The first step to true progress is admitting what really needs to be fixed."
"Sometimes, the only way to fix a complex problem is to look beyond the obvious solutions."
"A deeply broken system cannot be fixed by merely changing its superficial parts."
"He who truly desires positive change will always find a way to fix the broken path."
"The hardest things to fix are often those fundamental flaws we refuse to acknowledge."
"A small, timely fix today can prevent a major, costly breakdown tomorrow."
"True wisdom lies in knowing what to fix and what, perhaps, to simply let be."
"She learned not just to fix machines with her hands, but also to mend broken spirits with her words."
Etymology
The word "fix" comes from the Latin word "figere," which meant "to fasten," "to attach," or "to pierce." Imagine pushing a nail into something to secure it.
The first known use of "fix" in English, with the meaning of "to fasten firmly," dates back to the late 14th century. It appeared in texts referring to making something stationary or securing it in place. Over time, its meaning expanded to include repairing something (making it firm again), arranging things precisely, and even preparing food.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fix
A quick fix: A temporary or superficial solution. "Putting a band-aid on a major problem is just a quick fix."
Get a fix on: To determine the position, nature, or extent of something; to understand something. "Can you get a fix on their current location?"
Fix a date/time: To set or agree upon a specific date or time. "Let's fix a date for our next meeting."
Fix one's gaze: To stare intently at something. "He fixed his gaze on the distant horizon."
In a fix: In a difficult or awkward situation. "I'm really in a fix because I lost my keys."
Fix up: To repair or refurbish something; to arrange a meeting for two people. "We need to fix up the old shed." "I'll fix you up with my cousin."
Fix the blame on: To assign responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing to someone. "They tried to fix the blame on the new employee."
Get one's fix: To satisfy a craving for something, especially an addictive substance. "He needs to get his fix of coffee every morning."
Fixed idea: A firmly held belief or obsession. "She has a fixed idea about how things should be done."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fix from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
