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Smouldered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smouldered

[ˈsməʊldərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

burn slowly

To smoulder is to burn slowly with smoke but no flame. It often refers to a fire that is not fully extinguished and continues to produce heat and smoke over time. Smouldering can also describe a feeling of suppressed emotion, such as anger or passion.

Synonyms

burn slowly, fume, simmer, smoke.

Examples of usage

  • The campfire smouldered long into the night.
  • Her smouldered feelings of jealousy were evident in her glare.
  • The ashes smouldered after the fire was put out.
  • He smouldered with anger at the unfair treatment.

Translations

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

Origin of 'smouldered'

The word 'smouldered' is derived from the Middle English 'smolderen', which itself comes from the Old English 'smaldrian'. The roots can be traced back to the Proto-West Germanic *smaldran, which means 'to emit smoke'. Throughout the centuries, the term has been associated with the act of burning without a visible flame, often linked to the aftermath of a fire or the slow process of charcoal burning. In addition to its physical application in describing fires, 'smouldered' has taken on a metaphorical use in the English language to describe feelings or emotions that are quietly brewing beneath the surface, waiting to erupt. This duality in meaning has allowed the word to remain relevant in contemporary language, often depicting both emotional and physical states of smouldering.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,743, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.