What does thawing mean?
Thawing describes the process in which ice, snow, frozen ground, or another cold substance gradually melts or becomes less rigid. It can also refer to rising temperatures that soften or melt snow and ice. The word has a well-established figurative meaning: relations, conflicts, or attitudes that have become cold or strained may be described as thawing when they begin to grow warmer, friendlier, or more conciliatory. This extension makes thawing useful when describing gradual change rather than a sudden reversal. For example, diplomatic discussions may mark the thawing of relations, while a gradual improvement in negotiations can be called a thaw. The expression “thaw” can function as a noun for such a change, while “thawing” emphasizes either the process itself or a developing situation. The word is common in British and American English and is neutral in register.
In the process of melting, softening, or becoming less frozen; figuratively, becoming warmer, friendlier, or less strained.
"The region experienced unusually warm, thawing weather throughout January."
This participial adjective commonly modifies physical materials, temperatures, conditions, or metaphorical situations such as relations.
The process of thawing, especially the melting of ice or snow or the becoming less strained of relations.
"The gradual thawing of relations allowed the ambassadors to meet again."
The noun is usually treated as a mass noun when referring to a general physical or diplomatic process.
The plural is rarely used because thawing is normally treated as a mass noun; it can refer to separate occasions or processes of thawing.
"The valley's early thawings were followed by rapid freezing."
Just as ice can soften into water, thawing describes frozen relations beginning to thaw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thawing come from?
Thaw derives from Old English þawian, meaning “to thaw” or “to melt,” and the modern participial form thawing arose through ordinary English inflection. The Old English word passed into Middle English and eventually developed into the modern verb thaw. It belongs to a Germanic family that includes German tauen and Dutch ontdooien, both of which mean “to thaw.”
How thawing is actually used
Thawing is the present participle of thaw and can also function as a gerund. Its figurative use for relations becoming less strained is common and generally neutral in tone.