Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shvetsov2005]

Hello,

What would be the difference between 'scorch' and 'sear'?
What do native speakers say about it, not dictionaries.
When would you use the first verb and when second?


Alexander.

[dragn]

Well, for one thing if something is scorched, I normally have the mental image that the surface has been discolored by the heat. You know, darkened to some extent. Like toast:

"You know I don't like my toast scorched!"

If something is seared, it's slightly burned on the surface in a similar manner, but with no special emphasis on discoloration:

"I like my steak pretty rare; just lightly seared on both sides."

The word searing is often used to describe intense, burning pain:

"I've got a searing pain running down the back of my leg."

It can also refer to emotional pain:

"The searing pain of rejection filled John's heart after Sue turned down his marriage proposal."

Both scorching and searing can be used to describe very hot weather:

"This summer, the heat has really been scorching/searing."

"Today was a real scorcher!"

That's my take on these words.

Greg

[shvetsov2005]

Thanks

Alex.