heartburning
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /hɑːrtˈbɜːrnɪŋ/
KK: /hɑrtˈbɜrnɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing a feeling of discomfort or dissatisfaction, often related to emotional or physical pain.
Example
The heartburning feeling after the argument lingered for hours.
Conversation
I’ve been feeling really heartburning about my job lately.
Really? What’s been bothering you?
It just feels like nothing I do makes a difference.
I totally get that; it can be so frustrating.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
displeasing
unsettling
disturbing
Antonyms
pleasing
satisfying
comforting
noun
Definition
A feeling of intense jealousy or resentment, often accompanied by a sense of discontent or secret hostility.
Example
She felt a deep heartburning when she saw her friend succeed while she struggled.
Conversation
Have you ever felt that kind of heartburning when someone else gets what you want?
Oh, definitely! It can be tough to see others succeed sometimes.
It's like you want to be happy for them, but that heartburning just creeps in.
Root Explanation
Heartburning → It is formed from "heart" (from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ that pumps blood) and "burning" (from Old English "byrnan", meaning to burn). The term "heartburning" refers to the sensation of burning in the chest, often associated with acid reflux, which metaphorically relates to the heart area.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'heart' as the organ that feels discomfort and 'burning' as the sensation of heat. This helps you remember that heartburning refers to a burning feeling in the chest.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.