fix

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To repair something that is broken or not working, or to deal with a problem so that it is solved.

   Grammar: Takes an object: fix the sink, fix the error.

   Patterns

   • fix something
   • fix something for someone

   A neighbor came over to fix our leaking tap.

   The developers fixed the bug within a day.

   Can you fix my bike before Saturday?

2. 2verbtransitive

   To decide or arrange something definitely, such as a date, price or rule.

   Grammar: Takes an object: fix a date.

   Patterns

   • fix a date
   • fix the price at something

   We fixed the meeting for Tuesday morning.

   The bank has fixed the rate for the next five years.

   Prices were fixed at last year's level.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To fasten something firmly in place.

   Grammar: Takes an object and usually a place: fix a shelf to the wall.

   Patterns

   • fix something to something
   • fix something in place

   He fixed the mirror to the wall with four screws.

   The tent was fixed firmly to the ground.

   She fixed her eyes on the horizon.

4. 4verbtransitiveinformalAmerican

   To prepare a meal or drink for someone.

   Grammar: Takes an object; common in American English: fix dinner.

   Patterns

   • fix someone something
   • fix something for someone

   I'll fix you a sandwich in a minute.

   Dad fixed breakfast for everyone.

   Let me fix us some coffee.

5. 5verbtransitiveinformal

   To arrange the result of a contest or process dishonestly.

   Grammar: Takes an object: fix a race.

   Patterns

   • fix a match
   • fix an election

   The referee was accused of fixing the match.

   They claimed the vote had been fixed.

   Nobody believed the race was fixed.

6. 6nouncountableinformal

   A solution to a problem, or an awkward situation you cannot easily escape.

   Grammar: Countable: a quick fix, in a fix.

   Patterns

   • a fix for something
   • in a fix

   There is no quick fix for the housing shortage.

   We were in a real fix when the car broke down.

   The patch is only a temporary fix.

Word forms

Common combinations

fix a problem

The update should fix the problem with the login page.

quick fix

Cutting prices is only a quick fix.

fix a date

Let's fix a date for the party.

fix dinner

I'll fix dinner while you finish your homework.

fix up

They fixed up the old cottage over the summer.

in a fix

I'm in a fix; I've lost my keys.

Synonyms and how they differ

repair

Repair is slightly more formal and usually concerns physical damage, while fix also covers problems and plans.

mend

Mend is common for clothes and small items and is more British than fix.

settle

Settle fits dates, disputes and arrangements, but does not mean to repair anything.

rig

Rig is stronger than fix for dishonest control of a result because it always implies cheating.

Opposites

Word family

fixture noun

something fixed in place, or a scheduled event

fixed adjective

set or not changing

fixer noun

a person who arranges things, sometimes dishonestly

fixation noun

an obsessive interest

fixable adjective

able to be repaired

Commonly confused: fix or fixture?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fix”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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