smolder

/ˈsməʊldə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [smˈoldɚ] /ˈsməʊldər/ (ame, ipa) · [smˈoldɚ] /ˈsmōl-dər How to pronounce smolder (audio)/ (ame, mw)

smolder — verb

  • smolderpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • smoldershe / she / it
  • smolderedpast simple
  • smoldering-ing form

1. to keep burning at a low heat with no visible flames, usually sending up some sm

1.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to keep burning at a low heat with no visible flames, usually sending up some smoke.

例句

Wet leaves smoldered beside the campsite after the rain put out the flames.

smoldered after + flames were put out

A broken wire left the trash bin smoldering behind the restaurant wall.

left + object + smoldering

同義詞
  • burn

    broader and does not suggest hidden heat

  • smoulder

    the British spelling of the same verb

  • glow

    focuses on light or heat, not on smoke

反義詞

文法句型

[fire/leaves/wire] + smolder

smolder under + ash/debris

keep smoldering after + fire is out

用法筆記

This sense is used when something has not gone out completely. It often suggests hidden heat that can start open flames again if nobody deals with it.

常見錯誤

❌The logs smoldered with high flames.
✅The logs burned with high flames.' / 'The logs smoldered under the ashes.
💡'smolder' suggests little or no visible flame.

2. to hold anger or another strong feeling inside without letting all of it show.

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to hold anger or another strong feeling inside without letting all of it show.

例句

Even after the meeting ended, Priya smoldered over the public insult.

smoldered over + cause of anger

Tension smoldered in the house after Leo learned about the hidden debt.

tension smoldered after + upsetting news

同義詞
  • seethe

    stronger and more openly intense

  • brood

    focuses more on dark, resentful thinking

  • simmer

    can describe tension too, but usually sounds milder

反義詞
  • calm down

    the anger becomes weaker instead of staying hot inside

  • forgive

    lets go of the hurt instead of keeping it alive

文法句型

[anger/tension] + smolder

smolder in silence

smolder after + insult/loss/dispute

用法筆記

This sense often describes anger, resentment, or tension that stays quiet on the surface. Distinguish from sense 1: nothing is literally burning here, even though the image comes from hidden fire.

常見錯誤

❌She smoldered him all week.
✅She smoldered over the insult all week.' / 'Anger smoldered in her all week.
💡this sense is usually intransitive and describes emotion kept under control.