What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scalding
Example
She accidentally spilled scalding hot coffee on her hand. [scalding: adjective]
Example
The recipe calls for scalding the milk before adding it to the mixture. [scalding: verb]
searing
Example
The searing heat of the desert made it difficult to breathe. [searing: adjective]
Example
He seared the steak on both sides before putting it in the oven. [seared: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Searing is more commonly used than scalding in everyday language, especially in cooking contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scalding and searing?
Both scalding and searing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but scalding may be more associated with medical or technical language, while searing is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
