fixity

noun

fix·​i·​ty ˈfik-sə-tē How to pronounce fixity (audio)
plural fixities
1
: the quality or state of being fixed or stable
2
: something that is fixed

Examples of fixity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web No crying out, no convulsions—nothing but the fixity of a pensive gaze. Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023 There’s something in us as human beings which seeks fixity and definiteness and absoluteness. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2023 Pence’s self-smoothness and fixity can appear not just out of step with the times but absurdly self-conscious. T.a. Frank, Washington Post, 28 June 2023 In his worlds, familiar physiology is bent into strange new shapes, showing us that the seeming fixity of our bodies is only a soothing illusion. Alexandra Kleeman, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2023 And do not call it fixity. Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2023 Part of that fixity comes from nostalgia. New York Times, 13 May 2022 The Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944 ushered in a system of international exchange-rate fixity and stability. Steve H. Hanke, WSJ, 8 Aug. 2022 The earth was stamped with cloud shadows that gave an impression both of movement and fixity — a rich, dark earth with an inner seam that showed red and metallic in places. New York Times, 11 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fixity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin fīxitāt-, fīxitās, from Latin fīxus "firmly established, unchangeable" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixity was in 1666

Cite this Entry

“Fixity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fixity

noun
fix·​i·​ty ˈfik-sət-ē How to pronounce fixity (audio)
plural fixities
1
: the quality or state of being fixed
2
: something that is fixed
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