sear

/siə/

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Explanation of the Word "Sear"

Definition: The word "sear" can be used both as a verb and an adjective.

Usage Instructions:

• As a Verb: You can use "sear" when talking about cooking or when describing the effect of heat on something.
• As an Adjective: Use "sere" to describe dry plants or vegetation.

Examples:

• Verb: "The chef decided to sear the steak before putting it in the oven for a richer flavor."
• Adjective: "The sere landscape showed the effects of the long drought, with brown grass and wilted flowers."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more figurative sense, "sear" can be used to describe a strong emotional impact, such as a memory or experience that leaves a lasting mark. For example, "The tragic news seared into her mind, making it hard for her to forget."

Word Variants:

• Sear (verb)
• Sere (adjective)
• Searing (present participle used as an adjective, e.g., "the searing heat of the sun")

Different Meanings:

• "Sear" can also refer to causing damage by excessive heat, as in "the flames seared the walls of the house."

Synonyms:

• For the verb: scorch, singe, char, burn, blacken.
• For the adjective: dry, withered, shriveled, parched.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that include "sear," you can think of phrases like "sear into memory," which means to make a strong impression that is hard to forget.

Summary:

"Sear" is a versatile word that can refer to cooking techniques or describe the drying effects of heat on plants. Use it to talk about food preparation or the impact of heat on the environment.

Academic

Adjective

1. (used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture
   • dried-up grass
   • the desert was edged with sere vegetation
   • shriveled leaves on the unwatered seedlings
   • withered vines

Verb

1. cause to wither or parch from exposure to heat
   • The sun parched the earth
2. burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color
   • The cook blackened the chicken breast
   • The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece
   • the flames scorched the ceiling
3. become superficially burned
   • my eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames
4. make very hot and dry
   • The heat scorched the countryside

Synonyms

• dried-up
• sere
• shriveled
• shrivelled
• withered
• parch
• char
• blacken
• scorch
• singe