Burned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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burned

[bษœrnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Burned is the past tense of the verb 'burn,' which means to consume something with fire or to be on fire. It can also refer to the sensation caused by heat or the act of heating something to the point of combustion.

Synonyms

charred, consumed, scorched, singed.

Examples of usage

  • He burned the toast in the morning.
  • The old building was burned down in the fire.
  • She burned her hand while cooking.
Context #2 | Adjective

damaged

Burned can also be used as an adjective to describe something that has been damaged by fire. It refers to items that have been blackened or consumed in a fire-related incident.

Synonyms

charred, scorched, singed.

Examples of usage

  • The burned remains of the house were still smoldering.
  • He found a burned piece of paper in the fireplace.
  • The burned trees after the wildfire were a sad sight.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • When something burns, it undergoes a chemical reaction called combustion, where oxygen combines with the material, releasing heat and light.
  • The temperature at which materials ignite varies; for example, paper burns at about 451ยฐF (233ยฐC).

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, burning is part of rituals, such as burning incense to symbolize prayers rising to the heavens.
  • Bonfires during festivals often commemorate events, where wood is burned to create a gathering space and socialize.

Literature

  • In classic literature, burning often represents a transformation or change, as in the phoenix myth where the bird rises from its ashes.
  • Burning books has historically been a symbol of censorship, representing the destruction of ideas or knowledge.

Health

  • Burn injuries are classified by severity: first-degree (redness), second-degree (blisters), and third-degree (damage to deeper tissues).
  • Some medical treatments for burns involve grafting new skin or using special creams to prevent infection.

Origin of 'burned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'burn' comes from the Old English word 'byrnian', meaning to consume by fire.
  • Historically, the term has been used in various languages with similar roots, emphasizing the action of fire damaging materials.

The word 'burned' originates from the Old English word ' byrnan', which means 'to burn, to glow'. This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic '*buranฤ…', which also means 'to burn'. Over time, the past tense form developed into 'burned' in modern English, while the older form 'burnt' is still used in some dialects and contexts. The evolution of the term is illustrative of the English language's tendency to adapt and simplify verbs. The usage has broadened over the centuries to include not only the physical act of setting fire to an object but also metaphorical uses, such as in emotional contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,792, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.