stew

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

v. to cook something slowly in liquid.

v. to simmer food slowly in a liquid, typically in a covered container.

“You should let the apples stew with some sugar until they are soft.”

“The recipe suggests you stew the fruit gently to preserve its shape while creating a thick, flavorful syrup.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to stay in a bad mood or worry about something for a long time.

v. to remain in a state of suppressed agitation, resentment, or worry.

“Instead of talking about the problem, he just sat there and stewed in his anger.”

“After the heated argument, she was left to stew over his comments for the rest of the afternoon, growing increasingly resentful.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a state of being worried, confused, or nervous.

n. a state of agitated excitement, worry, or mental confusion.

“She was in a real stew because she couldn't find her passport before the flight.”

“The sudden change in regulations left the legal department in quite a stew as they scrambled to update the contracts.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. a short, informal name for a steward or stewardess on a plane or ship.

n. a shortened, informal term for a flight attendant or maritime steward.

“My sister has been working as a stew for a major airline for five years.”

“The veteran stew handled the unruly passenger with the calm efficiency of someone who had spent decades in the air.”