Solder and soldier are two words that are very close in spelling and are sometimes confused. We will examine the definitions of solder and soldier, where these terms came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Solder is a metal alloy that melts at a low temperature that is used to join metal pieces. Solder may be used as a noun or a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are solders, soldered, soldering. The word solder is derived from the Old French word soudure, which means to make things fasten together.
A soldier is a person who is a member of an army, usually a private in an army. Soldier is also used as an intransitive verb to mean to act in the capacity of a soldier. It is also used in the phrase soldier on to mean to persevere, to carry on in a relentless manner. The word soldier is derived from the Old French word soulde, which was the word for a soldier’s pay.
Examples
It took him three hours to solder the parts, squeeze the entire contents into the case and create the mini model. (The Deccan Chronicle)
For this job you’ll also need a soldering iron, solder, safety goggles, wire cutters, and a camera, to help you keep track of your original wiring connections (your cellphone will work just fine for this). (Guitar World Magazine)
The US-led UN command released dramatic video showing a North Korean soldier dash across border into South Korea as North Korean troops fire at him. (USA Today)
A soldier is among three men due to appear before a Port of Spain Magistrate today, charged with the November 12 murder of businessman Saisnarine Ningwah. (The Trinidad Express)