smolder

[ˈsməʊldə(r)]

smolder Definition

  • 1burn slowly with smoke but no flame
  • 2show or feel barely suppressed anger, hatred, or another powerful emotion

Using smolder: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "smolder" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.

  • Example

    His anger smoldered for days after the argument.

  • Example

    The tension between the two countries has been smoldering for years.

  • Example

    She tried to smother her feelings, but they continued to smolder beneath the surface.

smolder Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for smolder

Antonyms for smolder

Idioms Using smolder

  • an intense feeling of love or desire that is barely contained or suppressed

    Example

    Their smoldering passion for each other was evident in every glance and touch.

  • a deep-seated feeling of anger or bitterness that is not openly expressed but still affects a person's behavior or attitude

    Example

    Her smoldering resentment towards her ex-husband was evident in the way she talked about him.

  • smoldering cigarette

    a cigarette that is still burning slowly and producing smoke

    Example

    He took a drag from his smoldering cigarette and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

Phrases with smolder

  • a look that conveys barely suppressed anger, passion, or another intense emotion

    Example

    He gave her a smoldering look that made her heart race.

  • a fire that burns slowly with smoke but no flame

    Example

    The firefighters had to put out the smoldering fire before it could spread.

  • a volcano that is not currently erupting but still has hot magma and can potentially erupt in the future

    Example

    The smoldering volcano was closely monitored by scientists to detect any signs of an impending eruption.

Origins of smolder

from Middle English 'smolderen', meaning 'to smother'

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Summary: smolder in Brief

The verb 'smolder' [ˈsməʊldə(r)] refers to the slow burning of a fire without flames or the barely suppressed expression of a powerful emotion. Examples include 'The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.' and 'His anger smoldered for days after the argument.' Phrases like 'smoldering passion' and idioms like 'smoldering resentment' further illustrate the intensity of the emotion. 'Smolder' can also be used to describe a volcano that is not currently erupting but still has hot magma.

How do native speakers use this expression?