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Singe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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singe

[sษชndส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

burning

To burn superficially or slightly; scorch

Synonyms

char, scorch, sear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
singe

Singe is used when something is lightly burned or scorched, often at the edges. It suggests minor damage from heat.

  • She singed her hair while trying to light the stove.
  • The edges of the paper were singed by the flame.
scorch

Scorch describes burning something in such a way that the surface is damaged and changes color, but it isn't as severe as charring. It often implies superficial burning or drying out.

  • She scorched her shirt with the hot iron.
  • The intense sun scorched the grass.
char

Char is used when something is burned to the point where its surface turns black. It often implies a more severe burn than scorch or singe.

  • The chef accidentally charred the steak on the grill.
  • The edges of the bread were charred and inedible.
sear

Sear is typically used in cooking to describe quickly burning the surface of food at high heat to create a crust while keeping the inside moist. It can also mean to cause intense, sudden pain or heat.

  • The chef seared the fish to give it a crispy texture.
  • The intense heat seared his skin.

Examples of usage

  • He singed his hand on the hot pan.
  • The fire singed the edges of the paper.
Context #2 | Noun

cooking

A slight burn; scorch

Synonyms

burn, char, scorch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
singe

Used when something is lightly burned or scorched, often involving hair or fabrics. It implies a superficial or slight burn rather than complete destruction.

  • She accidentally singed her hair while lighting the candle
  • The edges of the paper were singed by the flame
scorch

Used when something is burned on the surface or slightly damaged by heat. It often conveys unintentional minor damage.

  • The iron scorched the shirt
  • The hot summer sun scorched the grass
burn

A general term that can refer to fire damage of various degrees, from slight to severe, and can apply to a wide range of materials. It is the most common and versatile term.

  • He burned his hand on the stove
  • The campfire burned brightly throughout the night
char

Refers to burning something until it is blackened and carbonized, typically used in cooking or describing something that is heavily burned.

  • The chef accidentally charred the steak
  • The wood had been charred by the intense heat

Examples of usage

  • There was a singe on the edge of the pie crust.
  • She smelled the singe of burnt hair.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Singeing is used in the textile industry to remove the small fibers from fabric surfaces, ensuring a smoother finish.
  • At high temperatures, singeing can cause materials to undergo chemical changes, affecting their properties.

Culinary Arts

  • Singeing a dish can enhance flavor by caramelizing the surface, adding depth and complexity.
  • Some chefs use light singeing techniques to enhance the aroma of herbs in dishes before serving.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters might singe their hair or clothes in a humorous way, often highlighting impulsive actions.
  • Popular cartoon characters often exaggerate the effects of singeing for comedic purposes, making it a memorable visual gag.

Origin of 'singe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'singe' comes from the Old French word 'singier', meaning to burn or scorch.
  • There is a related Germanic word 'sind', which means to scorch or singe, showing connections across languages.

The word 'singe' originated from the Old English word 'sengan' which means 'to burn, scorch'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The term is often associated with cooking or burning slightly, and it has retained its original meaning over the centuries.

See also: sang, sing, singer, singing, single, singly, singular.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,485 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.