What does cementing mean?
Cementing is the present participle and gerund of the verb 'cement', which carries two closely related senses. In its literal sense, it means bonding materials together using cement, mortar, or another adhesive, as when builders fix tiles or stones into place. More commonly today, it appears figuratively, describing the act of making something firm, secure, and unlikely to change — a treaty, a friendship, a reputation, or a political alliance. Because concrete sets permanently once cured, the word carries strong connotations of durability and irreversibility; what has been cemented is understood to be settled. The term belongs chiefly to formal and journalistic English, appearing frequently in phrases such as 'cementing ties' and 'cementing a deal'. Derived ultimately from Latin 'caementum', meaning quarry stone, the word's history mirrors its meaning: separate pieces made into one solid whole.
verb (present participle and gerund)The present participle and gerund of the verb 'cement', meaning to bind or join things together firmly, or to strengthen and consolidate a relationship, agreement, or position.
- To bind or unite physically with cement or an adhesive.
- To make a relationship, agreement, or position firm and permanent.
"Signing the treaty was instrumental in cementing peace between the two nations."
"The workers spent the afternoon cementing the new patio stones into place."
"Her decisive leadership played a key role in cementing the coalition's unity."
Before it meant gluing anything, 'cement' meant cut stone — the Romans built their empire by fitting quarried rock so tightly that the word itself became a metaphor for unbreakable bonds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cementing
The word traces back to Latin 'caementum', meaning quarry stone or chipped stone, derived from 'caedere', meaning to cut or hew. It entered Middle French as 'ciment' before passing into English around the fourteenth century, originally referring to stone fragments used in mortar. Over time the sense shifted from the material itself to the act of binding with it, giving rise to the figurative use of strengthening relationships and agreements. It shares its root 'caedere' with words such as 'decide', 'concise', and 'precise'.
Related word forms
How cementing is actually used
Mostly used in formal or journalistic registers, especially figuratively in political and business writing ('cementing ties', 'cementing a legacy'). The literal construction sense is more common in technical or trade contexts.
Easily confused with cementing
'Commenting' means making remarks or observations, while 'cementing' means binding or securing something firmly; they look similar but share no meaning.