Part of Speech

Noun / Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈfɪksɪŋ/

Definitions

• The act of repairing or mending something.
• The process of making something secure or stable, often in a mechanical or technical context.
• The arrangement of a situation or outcome, often in an underhanded or dishonest way.
• In sports or gambling, manipulating the outcome of an event, often illegally.

Usage Examples

• "The fixing of the car's engine took several hours."
• "The fixing of the election was an issue of great controversy."
• "He was charged with fixing a sports match."

Etymology

The term "fixing" comes from the verb "fix," which means to secure, attach, or repair something. The use of the term in the context of arranging or manipulating events or outcomes arose in the early 20th century, particularly in gambling and sports.

Synonyms

• Repairing
• Restoring
• Settling
• Arranging
• Manipulating

Antonyms

• Breaking
• Ruining
• Unsettling
• Disorganizing

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation of "fixing" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions, though variations in accent might affect the emphasis or vowel sounds. For example, in some British English accents, the vowel sound in "fix" may be pronounced slightly differently than in American English.

Historical Usage

The word "fixing" has evolved over time. Initially, it referred strictly to repairing or mending something. By the early 20th century, its usage expanded to include the manipulation or arranging of outcomes, particularly in gambling and sports, where "fixing" an event meant influencing its result unfairly.

Cultural Nuances

In some contexts, the term "fixing" carries a negative connotation, especially in relation to illegal activities such as rigging a sports game or election. However, in everyday life, it is also seen positively, referring to the act of repairing and restoring things to their functional state.

More Information

"Fixing" is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts. While it often refers to the act of repairing something, its meaning can expand to cover the manipulation or arrangement of situations, especially in legal, political, or criminal contexts. The term's use in relation to illegal activities, such as match-fixing or bribery, has become widespread in modern discussions about ethics in sports and governance.