What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scorching
Example
The scorching sun made it unbearable to be outside for too long. [scorching: adjective]
Example
The iron was so hot that it scorched the fabric. [scorched: past tense verb]
sizzling
Example
The bacon was sizzling in the pan, making my mouth water. [sizzling: present participle]
Example
The steak was perfectly cooked, with a sizzling crust on the outside. [sizzling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sizzling is more commonly used than scorching in everyday language. Sizzling is versatile and can be used in various contexts related to food and cooking, while scorching is less common and is typically used to describe extreme weather or flames.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scorching and sizzling?
Both scorching and sizzling can be used in informal and formal contexts, but scorching may be more formal due to its association with technical or scientific language related to heat and temperature.