thawing

USAGE SUMMARY

'thawing' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of something becoming gradually warmer. Example sentence: The lake's frozen surface is beginning to thaw as the temperatures rise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Giles also dead-batted the suggestion that Pietersen's inclusion in the World Twenty20 squad might signal a thawing in his relations with Andy Flower.

The Guardian - Sport

Monday's historic but stilted handshake between China's president, Xi Jinping, and the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, in Beijing could mark the beginning of a thawing in relations between the two countries.

The Guardian

To start with, they can survive freezing and thawing, something mice do not adapt to well.

The Economist

Even honest customs officials are reluctant to check too closely, since thawing spoils the product, and dogs cannot sniff out the drug when it is frozen.

The Economist

The land is thawing: the area covered by snow in June is roughly a fifth less than in the 1960s.

The Economist

Yet the bacteria also release nitrates, which stimulate plant growth, so the thawing ground may sometimes become a carbon sink.

The Economist

In a sign of a thawing of relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Ehud Barak, the country's defence minister, said that he would shortly meet Salam Fayyad, the PA's prime minister.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even the November nuclear deal in Geneva with the so-called P5+1 can be seen as enhancing Iran's regional status to the detriment of Saudi Arabia, which has threatened to distance itself from the United States over the apparent Washington-Tehran thaw.

The Guardian

But after a couple of minutes came a thaw: "Your sincerity really comes across.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ammil is a Devon term for the thin film of ice that lacquers all leaves, twigs and grass blades when a freeze follows a partial thaw, and that in sunlight can cause a whole landscape to glitter.

The Guardian - Books

Today, Cuba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, with travel bans for its citizens lifted, economic reforms initiated, trade restrictions softened, and a thaw in relations with the US under way.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental changes, use "thawing" to specifically indicate the transition from a frozen to a non-frozen state, emphasizing the change in temperature and physical properties.

Common error

Avoid using "melting" when "thawing" is more appropriate. "Melting" typically implies a more complete change of state, while "thawing" suggests a gradual warming and partial transition.

Linguistic Context

Thawing primarily functions as a verb, either in its present participle form (describing an ongoing process) or as a gerund (acting as a noun). It describes the action of something transitioning from a frozen state to a warmer state. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thawing" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb to describe the process of transitioning from a frozen to a non-frozen state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. While often associated with physical changes like melting ice, it can also be used metaphorically to describe easing tensions. Related terms include "melting", "unfreezing", and "warming up". When using "thawing", ensure it accurately reflects a gradual warming rather than a complete change of state to avoid confusion with "melting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

melting

Refers to the process of changing from a solid to a liquid, often due to heat.

unfreezing

Specifically describes the reversal of a freezing process.

defrosting

Similar to unfreezing, often used in the context of removing ice.

warming up

Indicates a gradual increase in temperature.

becoming warmer

A general term for an increase in temperature.

softening

Suggests a change in texture from hard to less hard, can be applied in different contexts.

releasing

In the context of frozen ground, it can imply the release of trapped substances.

dissolving

Similar to melting but is often used to talk about solids turning into liquids.

reverting

Referring to relations specifically, it implies return to a normal state.

tempering

Often used in specific scientific fields that indicate a more controlled release.

FAQs

How to use "thawing" in a sentence?

"Thawing" can be used to describe the process of ice or frozen ground becoming warmer and less solid. For instance, "The "thawing permafrost" releases methane into the atmosphere."

What is the difference between "thawing" and "melting"?

"Thawing" generally refers to a more gradual process of warming up and can imply a partial change of state, while "melting" suggests a complete transformation from solid to liquid. Consider that "melting ice" is technically ice completely losing its solid state.

Can "thawing" be used in contexts other than describing physical changes?

Yes, "thawing" can also be used metaphorically to describe a "thawing relationship" or situation, suggesting a reduction in tension or hostility.

What are some synonyms for "thawing"?

Alternatives to "thawing" include "unfreezing", "defrosting", and "warming up", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.