blistering
B2-C1Informal to Formal (context-dependent; can be journalistic, descriptive, technical in meteorology/sports)
Definition
Meaning
Extremely intense, severe, or fast, as if causing blisters.
Used to describe something of extreme intensity, speed, or harshness; also referring to very hot weather.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective/adverb. The core metaphor relates to the burning/irritating effect of a blister. Can describe heat, speed, criticism, or pace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slight preference in UK for 'blistering heat' in weather reports. In US sports journalism, 'blistering pace/speed' is extremely common.
Connotations
Equally vivid and intense in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both; perhaps marginally higher in US sports commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[blistering + noun][verb + at + a blistering pace/speed][subject + be + blistering + in + aspect]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blistering barnacles! (archaic/humorous exclamation)”
- “at a blistering pace”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically for performance or growth: 'The startup showed blistering growth in Q3.'
Academic
Rare in hard sciences except for describing extreme conditions (e.g., 'blistering temperatures on Venus'). Used in literary criticism for style or critique.
Everyday
Common for describing very hot weather or fast speed: 'We're in for a week of blistering heat.'
Technical
In materials science/medicine: can describe actual blister formation. In motorsports/athletics: describes record-breaking speed.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The paint is blistering in this heat.
- His harsh words blistered her confidence.
American English
- The sun blistered the old deck paint.
- The critic's review blistered the director's latest film.
adverb
British English
- The car sped blisteringly fast around the bend.
- He criticized the plan blisteringly.
American English
- The stock rose blisteringly quick.
- She responded blisteringly to the accusations.
adjective
British English
- We faced blistering criticism from the committee.
- He set off at a blistering pace.
American English
- The runners took off in the blistering heat.
- She delivered a blistering rebuttal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sun is very hot today. It is blistering!
- He ran blisteringly fast.
- We couldn't play tennis because of the blistering heat.
- The cyclist maintained a blistering pace for hours.
- The film received blistering reviews for its poor plot.
- Despite the blistering criticism, the minister refused to resign.
- Her blistering indictment of the government's policy left the chamber in stunned silence.
- The engine's blistering acceleration was achieved through advanced turbocharging.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLISTER caused by extreme heat or friction. 'Blistering' describes anything that extreme.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS HEAT (that causes blisters). SPEED IS HEAT (that causes friction burns).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not directly related to 'блистер' (blister pack). The Russian 'обжигающий' is close for heat, but 'blistering' for speed/criticism has no single equivalent. Avoid using it just for 'very'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for emotional states (e.g., *blistering love). Overusing as a generic intensifier. Confusing with 'bristling'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blistering' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its core metaphor is linked to heat/friction causing blisters. For extreme cold, use 'biting', 'freezing', or 'bitter'.
Not always. With 'heat' or 'pace' it is neutral-descriptive. With 'criticism' or 'attack' it is negative. It denotes extreme intensity, which can be positive (e.g., 'blistering performance').
They are close synonyms for heat. 'Blistering' is more extreme, suggesting damage (blisters). 'Blistering' is also more common for non-heat contexts like speed/criticism.
Yes, but less frequently. The verb 'blister' means to form blisters or, metaphorically, to severely criticize. The present participle 'blistering' is most common as an adjective/adverb.
Explore