Smolder: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'smolder' to describe something that is burning slowly without flames, often preceded by a period of intense heat. This word can also describe suppressed emotions that are not visible but felt deeply.

• The campfire smoldered throughout the night, leaving a soft trail of smoke.
• She smoldered with anger but kept her feelings hidden.

'Burn' is used when something is being consumed by fire or intense heat. It can be applied to a wide range of scenarios from small objects to large structures.

• The logs in the fireplace began to burn brightly.
• He accidentally burned the toast.

'Glow' describes a steady light, typically soft and not very intense, often coming from a source of heat. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's healthy appearance or radiant emotion.

• The embers continued to glow long after the fire had died down.
• Her face glowed with happiness.

'Char' refers to the process of burning something until it turns black. This often implies a high degree of burning, usually resulting in damage or destruction.

• The chef charred the edges of the steak to give it a distinct flavor.
• The wood was so old that it easily charred under the heat.

Repeated entry, please refer to the first description.

Used for negative things like resentment or wounds that continue to worsen over time. Often carries a negative connotation.

• His anger began to fester after the argument.
• If left untreated, the wound will fester.

Describes something that is cooking at a low heat, but also emotions that are quietly intensifying and about to come to the surface.

• Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
• Her frustration started to simmer as she waited.

Typically used when something is being prepared or developing, often in a way that suggests a storm or trouble is coming. Can also refer to making tea or coffee.

• Trouble started to brew between the two friends.
• She went to the kitchen to brew some coffee.

Use when describing something that is burning slowly without flames, often with smoke. This can also metaphorically describe suppressed emotions or feelings.

• The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.
• She could feel her anger smolder inside her.

Typically used for describing visible vapors or gases emitted by burning materials, as well as for referring to the act of smoking tobacco.

• Thick smoke billowed from the burning building.
• She decided to quit smoking cigarettes.

Best suited for describing the emission of gas or vapors, often in a negative or harmful sense. It can also imply being very angry.

• The factory released toxic fumes into the air.
• He was fuming with rage when he heard the news.

Commonly used to describe substances in the gas phase at a temperature lower than their critical point, like water vapor or steam.

• The morning air was filled with a light vapor.
• He watched the vapor rise from his hot cup of coffee.