simmering
UK: ˈsɪmərɪŋ | US: ˈsɪmərɪŋ
adj. (of liquid) kept just below boiling point, bubbling gently
v. (present participle of simmer) to cook or be cooked gently at or just below boiling point
fig. (of emotions or conflicts) existing in a suppressed or barely controlled state
The word simmer originated in the mid-17th century, likely an alteration of the earlier dialectal term simper (to bubble lightly), which may have been influenced by the sound of gentle boiling. The -ing suffix marks its present participle form, used for continuous action or state. The core idea of controlled heat (literal or metaphorical) remains central to its meaning.
The soup was left simmering on the stove for hours.
She felt a simmering anger after the unfair treatment.
Simmering the sauce slowly enhances its flavor.
Political tensions have been simmering in the region for months.
A pot of water was simmering, ready for the pasta.