The phrase "melt away" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /mɛlt əˈweɪ/. It represents the pronunciation of the word "melt" using the /ɛ/ vowel sound followed by the stress marker /ə/ and the pronunciation of the word "away" using the /eɪ/ diphthong sound. The term "melt away" signifies a gradual disappearance or a dissolving of something, often referring to physical substances like snow or ice, or to intangible things like worries or fears.
To "melt away" refers to the gradual disappearance or dissipation of something, typically in a fluid or subtle manner. It refers to the process of a substance or object transforming from its solid or tangible state into a liquid state and gradually disappearing or diminishing.
Metaphorically, "melt away" is often used to describe the gradual fading or disappearance of something abstract, such as emotions, problems, or obstacles. This phrase suggests a slow and gradual vanishing, as if being dissolved or melted by heat.
In the physical sense, "melt away" can describe the natural transformation of a solid object into a liquid due to heat or an increase in temperature. For example, an ice cube left outside on a hot day will eventually melt away and turn into water.
Figuratively, "melt away" commonly refers to emotions or stress dissipating or fading away. For instance, feelings of anger or sadness may gradually melt away as time passes and the situations that caused them become less significant. Similarly, when faced with a difficult task, one might say that the obstacles seemed to melt away as they tackled them.
Overall, "melt away" conveys the idea of gradual disappearance or dissolution, whether in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense.
The word "melt away" is a phrase rather than a single word, but the etymology of its two components can be explained.
1. Melt: The word "melt" originated from the Old English verb "meltan", which meant "to dissolve" or "liquefy by heat". It is related to the Old Norse word "melta" and the Middle Dutch word "smelten". The term has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over time and refers to the process of transitioning from a solid to a liquid state due to the application of heat.
2. Away: The word "away" originated from the Old English word "onweg", which means "on from" or "from this place". Over time, the term evolved into the Middle English word "awaye", eventually becoming the modern "away". Its meaning indicates moving or disappearing from a specific location or position.