Definition

To heat sugar until it turns brown and becomes a sweet syrup.

Example

I like to caramelise onions to add sweetness to my dishes.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried to caramelise onions for a recipe?

Yes, it really brings out their sweetness!

I want to give it a try, but I’m not sure how long to cook them.

Just keep stirring them on low heat until they turn golden brown.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Caramelise is formed from "caramel" (from French *caramel*, meaning a type of sugar syrup) and "-ise" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating a process). The word describes the process of turning sugar into caramel through heating.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word 'caramel' for the sweet syrup, and remember that 'caramelise' means to turn sugar into that syrupy goodness.

Visually Confused Words