Burnt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that has been damaged or changed in color due to exposure to fire or high heat. Commonly used in cooking.

• The toast is burnt.
• He accidentally burnt his hand on the stove.

Used to describe something that has been burnt to the point where it is blackened and has a brittle texture. Commonly used for both food and non-food items.

• The edges of the steak were charred.
• They discovered the charred remains of a building after the fire.

Refers to something that has been slightly burned or singed, often resulting in a change in color or texture but not completely blackened.

• The fabric was scorched by the iron.
• The intense heat scorched the grass.

Often used in cooking to describe food that has been cooked until the surface is darkened but not necessarily burnt. Can also refer to something that has been darkened by smoke or grime.

• The chef made a blackened fish fillet.
• The walls of the old house were blackened by smoke.

Use 'burnt' to describe something that has been damaged by fire or heat. It is commonly used to describe food or objects that have been exposed to excessive heat.

• The toast is burnt
• The house was burnt in the fire

Use 'overcooked' specifically for food that has been cooked for too long, losing its desired texture and flavor but not necessarily burnt or charred.

• The pasta is overcooked and mushy
• She overcooked the vegetables

Use 'charred' to describe something that has been burnt to the point of being blackened or severely damaged, often with a crispy or hard surface. It is most common in describing food or remains after a fire.

• The steak was charred on the outside
• The firefighters found charred remains of furniture

Use 'scorched' to indicate something that has been burnt on the surface, leaving a superficial burn mark, often used for fabric, grass, and more delicate items.

• The shirt was scorched by the iron
• The grass was scorched by the sun

Used to describe something that has been damaged or destroyed by fire. Often denotes a negative outcome or something overcooked.

• The toast was burnt and inedible.
• The burnt ruins of the building were all that remained after the fire.

Refers to a large, strong fire. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, sometimes to describe a powerful and impressive fire.

• The forest blaze spread quickly due to the dry conditions.
• The campfire blazed brightly, providing warmth and light to the campers.

Describes the actual tongues of fire during burning. Can be used both literally and metaphorically (e.g., passion, anger).

• She watched the flames dance in the fireplace.
• His eyes were filled with a flame of determination.

Means to start a fire or to cause something to start burning. Often used in proactive or initiating contexts.

• The paper quickly ignited when it came into contact with the flame.
• The speaker's words ignited a sense of passion in the audience.