fixed
/fɪkst/ (bre, ipa) · /fɪkst/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfikst/ (ame, mw)
fixed — adjective
- fixedpositive
- fixedercomparative
- fixedestsuperlative
1. arranged or decided ahead of time, with no possibility of being changed later.
arranged or decided ahead of time, with no possibility of being changed later.
The course has a fixed schedule, so all classes begin at exactly nine o'clock.
collocation: fixed schedule
Hiro signed a contract with a fixed monthly rent for two years.
collocation: fixed monthly rent
Élise asked whether the deadline was fixed or if she could ask for more time.
Tamar prefers a fixed-rate loan so her payments stay the same every month.
The shop charges a fixed price of one hundred dollars for any pair of glasses.
- set
more neutral and slightly less formal; 'a set time'
- predetermined
more formal, often used in technical or legal contexts
- established
suggests a long-standing arrangement rather than a one-time decision
文法句型
fixed + noun (price, date, amount, rate)
用法筆記
Typically used before a noun in financial or scheduling contexts. 'Set' and 'established' are close synonyms but are more common in formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. describes a belief or opinion that someone refuses to change, even when presente
describes a belief or opinion that someone refuses to change, even when presented with new facts or arguments.
Femi has a fixed opinion about vegetarian food and will not try any new dishes.
pattern: have a fixed opinion about something
No matter what evidence the teacher showed, Arjun's fixed view on the topic remained unchanged.
Christopher's fixed belief that cats cannot be trained stopped him from trying with the kitten.
Old habits and fixed ideas sometimes prevent a company from trying new technology.
- entrenched
stronger negative tone, suggesting the belief is harmful or resistant to change over a long time
- ingrained
suggests the belief is so old it feels like part of someone's character
- deep-rooted
similar to ingrained, often used for cultural or personal values
- open-minded
willing to consider new ideas
- flexible
able to adjust one's thinking when new information appears
文法句型
have a fixed idea/opinion/view about something
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative tone, suggesting the person is unwilling to consider other viewpoints. Not used for everyday preferences such as favourite foods or leisure activities.
常見錯誤
3. firmly attached or positioned so that it does not move or cannot be moved easily
firmly attached or positioned so that it does not move or cannot be moved easily.
Darius checked that the bookshelf was fixed to the wall before loading it with books.
pattern: fixed to + noun
The seats in the stadium are fixed and cannot be moved closer to the field.
Constanza stood perfectly still with her feet fixed in the wet cement.
A metal pole fixed into the ground marks the start of the hiking trail.
The mirror is fixed firmly to the bathroom wall and will not fall off.
- stationary
describes being not moving, but does not imply attachment
- immovable
suggests something cannot be moved at all, often due to weight or strength
- secure
focuses on safety from falling or being moved accidentally
文法句型
fixed + to/in/on + noun
be + fixed
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'stuck': 'stuck' suggests something was moving freely and became trapped accidentally; 'fixed' suggests deliberate or structural placement. 'Stationary' describes lack of motion but not attachment.
常見錯誤
4. describes a look, expression, or smile that stays focused on one point and does
describes a look, expression, or smile that stays focused on one point and does not change, often suggesting an unnatural, forced, or intense quality.
Élise gave him a fixed stare that made him feel uncomfortable.
collocation: fixed stare
The salesman kept a fixed grin on his face even when the customer complained loudly.
collocation: fixed grin — forced, not genuine
William noticed the old woman's fixed gaze on the photograph she held in her hands.
Dewi tried to keep a fixed smile during the long and boring ceremony.
With a fixed look of determination, Femi walked onto the stage to give his speech.
- unwavering
positive or neutral tone, often used for determination
- intent
describes focus of attention rather than expression
- motionless
describes physical stillness, not specifically facial expressions
文法句型
fixed + noun (look, stare, gaze, smile, grin)
用法筆記
When used with 'smile' or 'grin', the word suggests the expression is not genuine — the person is pretending to be happy or friendly. With 'stare' or 'gaze', it suggests intensity or concentration.
常見錯誤
5. describes a competition, election, or game where the outcome has been secretly a
describes a competition, election, or game where the outcome has been secretly and dishonestly arranged in advance.
Three players were arrested after it was discovered that the poker game was fixed.
Rafael refused to take part in the race when he learned it was fixed.
pattern: was fixed
The election results were declared invalid because officials found evidence of a fixed vote count.
Nellie suspected the contest was fixed because the same person won three times.
- rigged
more common in American English; 'a rigged election'
- manipulated
broader — can refer to data, markets, or people, not only competitions
- prearranged
neutral term; 'fixed' adds the dishonest connotation
- fair
honest, following the rules
- legitimate
lawful and proper
文法句型
fixed + noun (match, race, game, election, result)
用法筆記
Always implies illegal or unethical activity. Not used for legitimate pre-arranged outcomes such as a scripted television show. In legal contexts, 'fixed' is often replaced by 'rigged' in American English.
常見錯誤
6. successfully repaired after being broken, or a problem that has been dealt with
successfully repaired after being broken, or a problem that has been dealt with and is no longer causing trouble.
Hiro was relieved that his laptop was finally fixed after the technician replaced the screen.
pattern: was/were + fixed (passive)
Constanza called to say the heating is fixed and the apartment will be warm again.
The leak under the kitchen sink is fixed now, so the floor is finally dry.
Tamar is glad the argument with her neighbour is fixed and they are speaking again.
Darius got the broken bicycle chain fixed at a small shop near the station.
- broken
in need of repair
- unresolved
still causing difficulty or disagreement
文法句型
be + fixed
get + fixed
用法筆記
Very common in informal spoken English. In formal or academic writing, 'repaired' (for objects) or 'resolved' (for problems) is preferred. Can be used for both physical objects and abstract problems.
常見錯誤
7. describes a domestic animal that has undergone a surgical procedure to prevent i
describes a domestic animal that has undergone a surgical procedure to prevent it from producing babies.
Nellie adopted a fixed cat from the shelter to avoid the worry of kittens.
collocation: fixed cat / fixed dog
The vet recommended getting the puppy fixed before it reached six months of age.
pattern: get + animal + fixed
Many animal shelters offer low-cost programs to help people get their pets fixed.
Rafael brought his two rabbits to the clinic to have them fixed.
- neutered
technical term for male animals
- spayed
technical term for female animals
- sterilised
general medical term for either sex
- unneutered
not surgically prevented from reproducing
- entire
technical term in veterinary and breeding contexts
文法句型
fixed + animal type (cat, dog, rabbit)
用法筆記
This is the common informal term in everyday conversation. 'Neutered' is the more technical term for males, and 'spayed' for females. In veterinary or formal writing, those specific terms are preferred.