simmer

[ˈsɪmə(r)]

simmer Definition

• 1. to cook something gently, keeping it just below boiling point
• 2. to be in a state of quiet or restrained activity or development

Using simmer: Examples

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

• Example

  Simmer the soup for 20 minutes.

• Example

  The situation continued to simmer for months before it finally boiled over.

• Example

  She simmered with anger as she listened to his excuses.

simmer Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for simmer

• stew
• poach
• bubble
• seethe
• boil gently

Antonyms for simmer

• boil
• roast
• fry

Phrases with simmer

• let something simmer

  allow something to develop slowly over time

  Example

  I'm going to let this idea simmer for a while before I decide what to do with it.

• simmer down

  to become calm after being angry or excited

  Example

  He needs to simmer down and think rationally about the situation.

• simmering tensions

  underlying feelings of anger or hostility that have not yet erupted into open conflict

  Example

  The simmering tensions between the two countries finally boiled over into war.

Origins of simmer

from Middle English 'simeren', probably from Old English 'sēamerian', meaning 'to boil, foam, or bubble'

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Summary: simmer in Brief

The verb 'simmer' [ˈsɪmə(r)] means to cook something gently just below boiling point or to be in a state of quiet or restrained activity or development. It can also be used figuratively, as in 'The situation continued to simmer for months before it finally boiled over.' 'Simmer' has phrases like 'let something simmer,' which means to allow something to develop slowly over time, and 'simmer down,' which means to become calm after being angry or excited.