burnt
UK: bɜːnt | US: bɜːrnt
adj. damaged or discolored by fire or heat
adj. (of food) cooked to the point of charring
v. past tense and past participle of burn
The word burnt originates from the Old English bærnan (to burn) and byrnan (to be on fire), both derived from Proto-Germanic brinnaną. The addition of the -t suffix marks it as a past participle form, a common feature in Germanic languages. Over time, burnt became the standard past participle in British English, while burned is more common in American English. The word retains its core meaning of destruction or alteration by fire, extending metaphorically to describe overcooked food or emotional intensity.
The toast was completely burnt and inedible.
She burnt her hand on the hot stove.
The forest fire left acres of land burnt and barren.
He prefers his steak slightly burnt at the edges.
The smell of burnt rubber filled the air after the car skidded.