boiling
B1Neutral to informal (especially in figurative uses)
Definition
Meaning
The process of a liquid reaching its vaporization point and bubbling vigorously; extremely hot.
Used figuratively to describe intense anger, extreme heat, or a state of great activity or excitement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, often used in hyperbolic expressions ('boiling hot'). The verb form 'to boil' is more common in literal technical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Figurative use for anger ('I was boiling') is slightly more common in British English. The phrase 'boiling point' is used identically in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'boiling' implies intensity and lack of control, whether of temperature or emotion.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both, with similar distribution.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is boiling[Subject] reached boiling pointKeep [Object] boilingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “boiling point”
- “boiling mad”
- “keep the pot boiling”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically ('Tempers were boiling in the meeting').
Academic
Used in scientific contexts describing phase changes or thermal dynamics.
Everyday
Very common for describing weather, liquids, and emotions.
Technical
Precise term in chemistry and physics for the state change of a liquid to gas.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The kettle's boiling for a cuppa.
- She left the potatoes boiling for twenty minutes.
American English
- The water is boiling for pasta.
- Let the soup boil for five more minutes.
adverb
British English
- The soup was boiling hot.
- The room felt boiling uncomfortable.
American English
- The coffee was boiling hot.
- The pavement was boiling hot to the touch.
adjective
British English
- It's absolutely boiling in this greenhouse.
- He was boiling after the unfair decision.
American English
- It's boiling hot in Arizona today.
- She was boiling mad when she saw the mess.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water is boiling.
- It's boiling today!
- Add the eggs to the boiling water.
- I was boiling with anger when I heard the news.
- The political scandal brought public anger to boiling point.
- Maintain the mixture at a gentle boiling simmer.
- The cauldron of ethnic tensions was boiling over into open conflict.
- Her indignation boiled within her, a silent, seething fury.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a boiling kettle – it's hot, bubbling, and noisy, just like someone who is 'boiling' with anger.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A HOT FLUID IN A CONTAINER (e.g., 'He was boiling with rage').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'кипящий' for emotional states in formal contexts; 'furious' or 'seething' may be better.
- Do not confuse with 'горячий' (hot) for objects; 'boiling' is more intense and specific to liquids or extreme heat.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'boiling' to describe solid objects (e.g., 'a boiling stone' – incorrect).
- Overusing the figurative sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boiling' used LEAST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, for the literal meaning. Figuratively, it can describe emotions or atmospheric heat.
Boiling involves rapid, vigorous bubbling (at 100°C for water). Simmering is gentler, with small bubbles just breaking the surface at a lower temperature.
The literal, technical use is fine. The figurative use for emotions is considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing.
Yes, it's a common informal expression meaning 'I am very hot' (from temperature or anger).
Collections
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Weather
A2 · 45 words · Describing the weather, climate and seasons.
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