Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Seal Verb: Meanings, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：close tightly (seal)

seal 🔊

/siːl/

vt.

To close something completely so that nothing can get in or out.

Seal meaning illustrated by hands pressing plastic wrap on a bowl for an airtight closure.

close tightly 🔊

➕

/kləʊz ˈtaɪtli/

vt.

To fasten or secure something completely to prevent anything from entering or escaping, often by creating an airtight or watertight barrier.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'seel', from Latin 'sigillum' meaning 'small image, seal'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'S' shaped like a snake zipping up a lunch bag to SEAL it shut.

📖 Example

Before putting the leftovers in the fridge, seal the container tightly with its lid. 🔊 Before storing the food in the refrigerator, close the container's lid firmly to create an airtight closure.

🔗 Collocations

seal the envelope – to close an envelope by sticking its flap down

seal in the flavor – to trap the taste and moisture inside food during cooking

seal a leak – to stop a hole or crack from allowing gas or liquid to escape

🔄 Synonyms

close (v.) – To move something so as to cover an opening.

fasten (v.) – To close or attach something securely.

plug (v.) – To fill or block a hole tightly.

🚫 Antonyms

open (v.) – To move something so as to leave a space allowing access.

unseal (v.) – To break or remove a seal from something.

🌱 Derivatives

seal (n.) – A device or material used to close something securely; or a marine mammal.

sealed (adj.) – Closed or fastened securely.

📖 Cultural Story

The Latin word 'sigillum' (small sign/image) gave rise to the noun for a stamp or emblem of authority. The verb meaning 'to fasten with a seal' evolved into the general sense of 'to close securely'. The animal 'seal' shares the same spelling but has a different Germanic origin.

Meaning 2：finalize officially (seal)

seal 🔊

/siːl/

vt.

To make something official or final, especially by giving formal approval.

Seal a document scene showing a hand using a wax seal stamp on an envelope.

finalize officially 🔊

➕

/ˈfaɪnəlaɪz əˈfɪʃəli/

vt.

To conclude or make something binding and official, typically through a formal act such as signing a document or giving definitive approval.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

After months of negotiation, the two companies finally shook hands to seal the deal. 🔊 Following lengthy discussions, representatives from both firms concluded the agreement with a handshake, making it official.

🔗 Collocations

seal the deal – to successfully conclude a business agreement or negotiation

seal an agreement – to formally conclude and make a contract or pact official

seal one's fate – to make a decision or event that decisively determines a future outcome

🔄 Synonyms

conclude (v.) – To bring something to an end, especially an agreement.

ratify (v.) – To give formal consent, making something officially valid.

endorse (v.) – To declare one's public approval or support of something.

🚫 Antonyms

break off (v.) – To end discussions or an agreement abruptly.

veto (v.) – To reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.