burnt
adj. · v. · n.-
1 damaged by heat (adj.) B1 Intermediatedamaged or destroyed by fire or extreme heat.
damaged, injured, or destroyed by exposure to fire or high temperatures.
ExampleThe toast was completely burnt and tasted like charcoal.
ExampleThe investigators examined the burnt remains of the warehouse, searching for any evidence that might indicate the fire's origin.
- raw
- undercooked
-
2 sunburned (adj.) B1 Intermediate Medicinehaving skin that is red and painful from too much sun.
suffering from erythema caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
ExampleMy shoulders are very burnt after spending all day at the beach.
ExampleDespite applying a high-factor sunscreen, the hikers found their necks severely burnt after several hours on the exposed ridge.
- sunburned
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 past tense of burn (v.) B1 Intermediate British Englishthe past tense of 'burn', used when something was on fire or used for fuel.
the past tense and past participle of 'burn'. This spelling is the standard form in British English, whereas 'burned' is more common in American English.
ExampleHe burnt the old letters in the fireplace last night.
ExampleThe candles had burnt down to the sockets by the time the guests finally departed the dining hall.
UsageUsed as both the simple past and the past participle.
PitfallThe fire burned for three hours. (in a British exam)The fire burnt for three hours.While both are correct, 'burnt' is the preferred spelling for the past tense in British English, while 'burned' is standard in American English.
-
4 charred material (n.) C2 Proficiency Informal Technicalthe black, dry material left after something has been on fire.
carbonised material or char resulting from incomplete combustion.
ExampleThe bottom of the pan was covered in black burnt that wouldn't come off.
ExampleThe surface was coated in a thick layer of burnt, making it difficult for the archaeologists to identify the original timber underneath.
From burn + -t.