fixed
The price of gold remained fixed for months.
The price of gold did not change for months.
firmly attached or secured in place
Make sure the shelf is fixed to the wall properly.
Ensure the shelf is firmly attached to the wall.
Often used with objects that are physically attached.
determined or decided beforehand
We have a fixed schedule for our meetings.
Our meeting times are decided in advance.
Common in contexts like schedules, rules, or plans.
in a stable or secure financial position
She has a fixed income from her pension.
Her pension provides a stable, unchanging income.
Refers to income that does not fluctuate.
corrected or repaired
The broken pipe has been fixed.
The broken pipe has been repaired.
Past participle of 'fix', often used in passive constructions.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'fix'
Remember that 'fixed' as an adjective means 'unchanging' or 'secured', while 'fix' (verb) means 'to repair' or 'to set'. Context determines the meaning.
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
'Fixed' can mean physically attached, financially stable, or unchanging. Always check the context to understand which meaning applies.
Word Origin
From Old English 'fixian' (to fasten), from Latin 'figere' (to fasten, fix). The sense of 'repair' emerged in the 18th century, while 'unchanging' dates to the 17th century.
Usage Notes
As an adjective, 'fixed' often implies permanence or stability. Avoid confusion with the verb 'fix' (to repair) or the past tense 'fixed' (past of 'fix'). In finance, 'fixed income' refers to investments like bonds that pay set amounts.