singed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral to Slightly Formal
Quick answer
What does “singed” mean?
The past tense and past participle of 'singe' — to burn the surface or ends of something lightly, often to remove unwanted parts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of 'singe' — to burn the surface or ends of something lightly, often to remove unwanted parts.
Can figuratively describe a superficial injury, damage to one's reputation, or a close call or brush with danger that leaves a mark.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Pronunciation differences follow standard patterns for the '-ed' ending.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “singed” in a Sentence
[Subject] singed [Object][Object] was singed (by [Agent])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “singed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He singed the threads on the jumper to stop them unravelling.
- The spark from the fire singed the rug.
American English
- She singed the edges of the paper for a vintage look.
- The welder's torch singed his sleeve.
adjective
British English
- He had a singed appearance after the close call.
- The singed odour lingered in the kitchen.
American English
- She tossed the singed hot dog buns.
- His singed eyebrows grew back quickly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in reports of minor accident/damage.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or technical texts (e.g., textile manufacturing).
Everyday
Most common in domestic cooking or accident contexts.
Technical
Used in hairdressing (removing split ends), textile finishing, or metalwork.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “singed”
- Using 'singed' as the past tense of 'sing' (correct: 'sang').
- Misspelling as 'singged'.
- Confusing with 'singed' (past tense) and 'singeing' (present participle), which keeps the 'e' to distinguish from 'singing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Singed' means burned very lightly on the surface, often on purpose (like hair ends). 'Burned' is more general and can imply deeper or more complete damage.
No, that is a common error. 'Sang' is the past tense of 'sing' (to make musical sounds). 'Singed' is the past tense of 'singe' (to burn lightly).
'Singeing' (with the 'e' kept to distinguish it from 'singing' which comes from 'sing').
Yes, it can describe minor damage to reputation or a close brush with danger (e.g., 'His pride was singed by the criticism').
The past tense and past participle of 'singe' — to burn the surface or ends of something lightly, often to remove unwanted parts.
Singed is usually neutral to slightly formal in register.
Singed: in British English it is pronounced /sɪndʒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪndʒd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get one's wings singed”
- “a singed cat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SINGER (singer) who got too close to the stage lights and SINGED their hair. SINGer -> SINGed.
Conceptual Metaphor
DAMAGE IS A SURFACE BURN (e.g., 'His reputation was singed by the scandal').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'singed'?