Burning
Part of Speech
Adjective, Verb (Present Participle)
Definitions
- Adjective: Emitting flames or heat; actively on fire.
- Adjective: Very intense, often used figuratively to describe strong feelings (e.g., burning desire, burning passion).
- Verb (present participle of "burn"): The act of consuming or being consumed by fire.
Usage Examples
- "The burning house was visible from miles away."
- "She had a burning desire to succeed in her career."
- "The burning sensation in his throat made it hard to speak."
Etymology
The word "burning" originates from the Old English "byrnian," which means "to consume with fire," from the Proto-Germanic *brunjōną, meaning "to burn." The use of "burning" as a figurative term, referring to strong emotions, emerged in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- Flaming
- Blazing
- Scorching
- Searing
- Fiery
Antonyms
- Cold
- Chilled
- Frozen
- Extinguished
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish | Ardiendo | /arˈdjen̪do/ |
French | Brûlant | /bʁy.lɑ̃/ |
German | Brennend | /ˈbʁɛnənd/ |
Italian | Ardente | /arˈdɛnte/ |
Portuguese | Ardente | /aʁˈdẽtʃi/ |
Chinese | 燃烧的 | /rán shāo de/ |
Japanese | 燃えている | /moeteiru/ |
Russian | Горящий | /ɡɐˈrʲiʂːɪj/ |
Hindi | जलता हुआ | /jalta huā/ |
Bengali | জ্বলন্ত | /jôlonto/ |
Telugu | వేసుకుంటున్న | /vēsukuntunna/ |
Marathi | जळत | /jhaḷata/ |
Punjabi | ਜਲਦਾ | /jaldā/ |
Tamil | அழியும் | /aḻiyum/ |
Gujarati | દહન | /dahan/ |
Urdu | جلتا ہوا | /jalta huā/ |
Malayalam | കത്തിക്കുന്ന | /kathikkunna/ |
Kannada | ಹರಿದುಹೋಗುತ್ತಿರುವ | /hariduhoguttiruva/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In British English, the "r" in "burning" is pronounced more sharply, while in American English, the "r" may be less pronounced. In some regional dialects of English, the word may sound more like "buh-ning," with a softer "r" sound.
Historical Usage
The term "burning" has been in use since Old English, with its roots in both literal and metaphorical expressions of fire. During the medieval period, "burning" was often used in religious and cultural contexts, such as in references to eternal flames or rituals involving fire. Over time, the word expanded to describe emotional and physical states, such as intense passion or pain.
Cultural Nuances
In different cultures, "burning" holds symbolic meanings beyond its literal sense. For example, in some Native American cultures, fire represents purification and transformation. In Christianity, the concept of "burning" is often associated with hellfire and divine judgment. In contrast, "burning" passion or desire is often a positive, motivating force in Western literature.
More Information
Burning, whether literal or figurative, plays a significant role in various contexts, from everyday language to symbolism and mythology. The term is often associated with transformation, destruction, or intense emotional experiences. Its prevalence in literature, religious texts, and modern discourse highlights its importance in both physical and metaphorical realms. The word continues to evolve in usage, especially with the rise of environmental and social movements advocating for fire safety and the prevention of wildfires.