burning

word · lemma: burn

/ˈbɝnɪŋ/
BUR-ning
/bˈɜːnɪŋ/
BUR-ning

Definition

On fire or producing flames, heat, or a strong painful feeling. It can also describe a very strong emotion, desire, or urgent issue.

Usage & Nuances

As an adjective or participle, 'burning' appears in common patterns like 'burning fire', 'burning smell', 'burning pain', and 'burning question'. For physical sensation, English often prefers 'burning pain' or 'a burning feeling'; for figurative use, 'a burning desire' means very strong, not literal heat.

Example Sentences

The house is burning.

basic

I felt a burning pain in my hand.

basic

There is a burning smell in the kitchen.

basic

She has a burning desire to prove everyone wrong.

natural

Okay, the burning question is: who forgot to book the tickets?

natural

My eyes were burning after staring at the screen all day.

natural