What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
searing
Example
The chef seared the steak on both sides before finishing it in the oven. [seared: verb]
Example
The athlete felt a searing pain in his ankle after twisting it during the game. [searing: adjective]
burning
Example
The candle was burning brightly on the table. [burning: verb]
Example
She felt a burning sensation in her throat after eating the spicy curry. [burning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burning is more commonly used than searing in everyday language. Burning is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while searing is more specific and less common outside of cooking or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between searing and burning?
Both searing and burning can be used in formal or informal contexts, but searing may be considered more technical or specialized due to its association with cooking or medical terminology.
