froth
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a mass of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid like coffee or beer.
n.a mass of small bubbles formed on or in a liquid by agitation, fermentation, or carbonation.
Simple“The barista poured the steamed milk carefully to keep the froth on top.”
In context“The sea was rough, and thick white froth gathered along the shoreline where the waves broke against the jagged rocks.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.ideas, talk, or entertainment that is fun but has no serious value or meaning.
n.content, talk, or activity seen as attractive but ultimately lacking in substance, depth, or importance.
Simple“The movie was just light froth, but it was a nice way to relax.”
In context“Critics dismissed the novel as mere social froth, arguing it failed to engage with the serious political themes of the era.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a situation in business where prices are high because of excitement, not real value.
n.a condition in financial markets where asset prices are driven by speculation rather than intrinsic value.
Simple“Economists warned that there was too much froth in the housing market.”
In context“The central bank raised interest rates in an attempt to remove some of the froth from the overheated technology sector.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make a liquid form bubbles or to have bubbles come out of your mouth.
v.to produce or become covered in a mass of small bubbles; can describe liquids or the physiological effect of extreme rage or illness.
Simple“The soap began to froth as she scrubbed the floor.”
In context“The agitated river frothed against the bridge pilings after the heavy spring rains.”
UsageOften used as an intransitive verb when describing natural bubbling.
“You can go wild because you feel safe, and the giddy energy is frothing like that bottle of Dr Pepper they’ve got on the snack table.”
From Middle English froth, frooth, froþ, likely a borrowing from Old Norse froða, from Proto-Germanic *fruþǭ; Old English āfrēoþan (“to foam, froth”) is from same Germanic root. Verb attested from late 14th century. Compare Swedish fradga.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.