Burnt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
burnt
[bษหnt ]
Definitions
when something is changed by fire or heat
Burnt is the past tense and past participle of burn.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| burnt |
Used to describe something that has been damaged or changed in color due to exposure to fire or high heat. Commonly used in cooking.
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| charred |
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.
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| scorched |
Refers to something that has been slightly burned or singed, often resulting in a change in color or texture but not completely blackened.
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| blackened |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The toast was burnt and no one wanted to eat it.
- She accidentally left the cookies in the oven too long, and they came out burnt.
when food has been cooked for too long and is unpleasant to eat
Burnt can also refer to food that has been overcooked or cooked for too long.
Synonyms
charred, overcooked, scorched.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| burnt |
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.
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| overcooked |
Use 'overcooked' specifically for food that has been cooked for too long, losing its desired texture and flavor but not necessarily burnt or charred.
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| charred |
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.
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| scorched |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The steak was burnt to a crisp and had to be thrown away.
- The bottom of the pot was burnt, making the soup taste bitter.
to be on fire and produce flames
Burnt is also the past tense and past participle of the verb burn.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| burnt |
Used to describe something that has been damaged or destroyed by fire. Often denotes a negative outcome or something overcooked.
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| blaze |
Refers to a large, strong fire. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, sometimes to describe a powerful and impressive fire.
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| flame |
Describes the actual tongues of fire during burning. Can be used both literally and metaphorically (e.g., passion, anger).
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| ignite |
Means to start a fire or to cause something to start burning. Often used in proactive or initiating contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The fire burnt for hours before the firefighters were able to put it out.
- The candles burnt brightly in the darkness.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cooking Techniques
- Burnt flavors can enhance some recipes, like 'burnt ends' in barbecue, where edges of meat are intentionally charred.
- Many people prefer their marshmallows burnt over a campfire, creating a crispy outer layer and a gooey inside.
- In baking, burnt sugar can be used to create caramel flavors, adding depth to various desserts.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that sensory experiences such as burnt smells can trigger strong memories, evoking emotions linked to past experiences.
- The scent of something that is burnt can create a sense of warning or alertness, as it is often associated with danger.
- In a culinary context, the perception of burnt food can affect satisfaction and enjoyment, leading to preferences for certain levels of charring.
Cultural References
- In literature, burnt often symbolizes sacrifice or loss, representing characters who have endured hardships.
- The stigma around burnt food can lead to embarrassment, yet many cultures embrace it in their culinary traditions, finding charm in imperfection.
- Songs and poems frequently use burnt imagery to describe emotional pain or loss, using the element of fire metaphorically.
Health and Safety
- Burnt food can sometimes produce harmful compounds, leading health experts to advise moderation with charred grill marks.
- Burns, as an injury, are categorized into degrees based on severity, with first-degree burns being mild and third-degree being severe and requiring medical attention.
- Fire safety campaigns emphasize the importance of avoiding burning items in your kitchen to prevent house fires.
Origin of 'burnt'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'byrnde,' which means 'to burn.'
- In linguistics, it is a past participle of the verb 'to burn,' showing an action that has already happened.
- Different languages have unique words for 'burnt,' like 'brรปlรฉ' in French, showcasing cultural variations.
The word 'burnt' has Old English origins, with its roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'brunฤ '. It has been used in English for centuries to describe the process of being changed by fire or heat. Over time, 'burnt' has evolved to encompass both the past participle of the verb 'burn' and an adjective describing something that has been charred or overcooked.
See also: burn, burner, burning, burnish, burnishing, burnout.