smoulder
/ˈsməʊldə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsməʊldər/ (ame, ipa)
smoulder — verb
- smoulderpresent simple I / you / we / they
- smouldershe / she / it
- smoulderedpast simple
- smouldering-ing form
1. to burn slowly, giving off smoke but no actual fire — like embers in a fireplace
to burn slowly, giving off smoke but no actual fire — like embers in a fireplace that glow red-orange without ever catching into flames
The campfire smouldered through the night, giving off thin grey smoke.
A damp log smouldered in the fireplace, never quite catching light.
Siti poked at the smouldering pile of leaves with a long stick.
By morning only a few coals still smouldered under the ash.
The old barn smouldered for hours after the lightning strike.
- blaze
burn with strong, visible flames — the opposite state
- extinguish
to put out completely
用法筆記
Describes a slow, flameless burn that produces smoke. The material must still be burning — 'smoulder' is not used for something that has already gone out. Not used for controlled fires like gas stoves or candles.
常見錯誤
2. when a problem, conflict, or dangerous situation continues to exist quietly with
when a problem, conflict, or dangerous situation continues to exist quietly without being dealt with, and may suddenly become much worse at any moment
A pay dispute had been smouldering in the factory for months.
used of disputes and conflicts that remain unresolved
Tensions between the neighbouring villages smouldered long after the ceasefire.
The corruption scandal smouldered on the back pages before it finally exploded.
Unrest smouldered in the capital while the government did nothing.
Mr. Chen's disagreement with the headteacher smouldered all term without being resolved.
用法筆記
Subject is almost always an abstract conflict, problem, or tension — not a person. Frequently combined with time expressions ('for months', 'for years') to emphasise how long the situation has been left unresolved.
常見錯誤
3. to feel a powerful negative emotion — such as anger, resentment, or jealousy — i
to feel a powerful negative emotion — such as anger, resentment, or jealousy — intensely on the inside while keeping it hidden from others, so that only a hint of it shows in the eyes or face
Elena smouldered with quiet anger as her brother took all the credit.
smoulder + with + emotion: anger, resentment, jealousy
Jiro's eyes smouldered with jealousy when he saw his rival accept the award.
For weeks after the court ruling, Noor smouldered in silence, refusing to discuss it.
Fatima smouldered with resentment every time the manager praised someone else.
The old man smouldered with a bitterness he had carried since the war.
文法句型
smoulder + with + emotion noun
用法筆記
Only figurative sense where the subject can be a person, or a person's eyes or face. Almost always followed by 'with' and an emotion noun (anger, resentment, jealousy, bitterness). Distinguish from sense/4: this covers general strong emotions, not romantic or sexual feelings.
常見錯誤
4. to have intense romantic or sexual feelings for someone and keep them tightly co
to have intense romantic or sexual feelings for someone and keep them tightly controlled, expressing them only through looks, glances, or a charged silence rather than through words or actions
Across the crowded room, Amara smouldered with an intensity that made him look away.
smoulder + with + intensity/desire — romantic tension
The two actors smouldered at each other in every scene of the film.
Kwame watched her from across the table, smouldering with unspoken longing.
Ingrid caught him smouldering at her during the dinner party and felt her face flush.
文法句型
smoulder + at + person
smoulder + with + desire/attraction noun
用法筆記
Subject is a person. Often used with 'at' + person, or 'with' + desire/longing/passion. This sense is specifically romantic or sexual — distinguish from sense/3, which covers general strong emotions like anger or resentment. Common in fiction and film descriptions.