Cool MateBurn
UK /["/bɜːn/","/bɜːnz/","/bɜːnt/","/bɜːnd/","/ˈbɜːnɪŋ/"]/US /["/bɜːrn/","/bɜːrnz/","/bɜːrnt/","/bɜːrnd/","/ˈbɜːrnɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to produce flames and heat
In simple words: To make something hot until it produces flames or is damaged.
Examples
- I like to burn candles during dinner to create a cozy atmosphere.
- The fire will burn all night as long as we keep adding wood.
- Be careful not to burn yourself when cooking.
- She was so embarrassed that she felt her face burn with shame.
- I love to burn my favorite songs on a CD for road trips.
- The athlete wanted to burn off calories after a big meal.
- You can burn the paper if you want to get rid of it.
- The arsonist wanted to burn the building down for insurance money.
- She felt a burn in her muscles after the intense workout.
Usage notes
Use 'burn' for actions involving fire or heat. It's appropriate in both everyday and technical contexts, but be cautious using it in a metaphorical sense with sensitive topics.
Grammar pattern
burn + object
Memory hint
Think of a candle burning bright, producing smoke and light.
Collocations
- fiercely
- steadily
- slowly
- burn out of control
- fiercely
- steadily
- slowly
- burn out of control
- badly
- seriously
- severely
- be burned alive
- be burned at the stake
- be burned to ashes
- brightly
- brightly
- fiercely
- slowly
- with
Synonyms
- scorch
- singed
- incinerate
- flare
- ignite
Antonyms
- freeze
- cool
- extinguish
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'burnt' as an adjective when describing food.
- Using 'burn' intransitively incorrectly; it usually needs an object.
- Confusing 'burn out' with 'burn down' which have different meanings.