burn
Describes something that has been damaged, blackened, or consumed by fire, extreme heat, or chemicals. It can also metaphorically describe a person who is extremely exhausted or someone who has suffered a loss in a deal or relationship.
Examples
3 of 5The smell of burnt toast lingered in the kitchen for hours.
The smell of burnt toast lingered in the kitchen for hours.
Evidence from the burnt documents suggests that the fire was started intentionally to hide financial discrepancies.
Evidence from the burnt documents suggests that the fire was started intentionally to hide financial discrepancies.
I'm totally burnt after that double shift; I don't think I can go out tonight.
I'm totally burnt after that double shift; I don't think I can go out tonight.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'T' at the end of 'burnt' as looking like a charred, upright stick left after a fire.
Quick Quiz
After three weeks of working overtime without a break, Sarah felt completely ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burnt out
Examples
The smell of burnt toast lingered in the kitchen for hours.
everydayThe smell of burnt toast lingered in the kitchen for hours.
Evidence from the burnt documents suggests that the fire was started intentionally to hide financial discrepancies.
formalEvidence from the burnt documents suggests that the fire was started intentionally to hide financial discrepancies.
I'm totally burnt after that double shift; I don't think I can go out tonight.
informalI'm totally burnt after that double shift; I don't think I can go out tonight.
The burnt organic matter in the soil samples indicates a high frequency of wildfires during the Neolithic period.
academicThe burnt organic matter in the soil samples indicates a high frequency of wildfires during the Neolithic period.
The company was badly burnt by its previous investment in the unstable tech sector.
businessThe company was badly burnt by its previous investment in the unstable tech sector.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
burnt to a crisp
completely blackened or overcooked
once bitten, twice shy (burnt)
being cautious after a bad experience
burnt to the ground
completely destroyed by fire
Often Confused With
'Burned' is the standard past tense verb in American English, while 'burnt' is more frequently used as the adjective form in both British and American English.
Usage Notes
While 'burned' and 'burnt' can both be adjectives, 'burnt' is more traditional for describing the state of an object (e.g., burnt toast). Use 'burnt out' specifically to describe professional or emotional exhaustion.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the base noun 'burn' as an adjective (e.g., 'the burn bread') instead of using the participle form 'burnt'.
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'T' at the end of 'burnt' as looking like a charred, upright stick left after a fire.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'byrnan' (to be on fire) and 'bærnan' (to set on fire), merging into the modern English forms.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American BBQ culture, 'burnt ends' are a highly sought-after delicacy consisting of the flavorful, charred edges of a brisket.
Quick Quiz
After three weeks of working overtime without a break, Sarah felt completely ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burnt out
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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