Definition

The process of crushing or grinding something into a soft mass, often used in cooking or brewing.

Example

Mashing the potatoes makes them creamy and smooth.

Conversation

Have you ever tried mashing your own ingredients for brewing beer?

Not yet, but it sounds interesting!

I read that mashing helps convert the starches into sugars.

That makes sense — I’d love to learn how to do it properly!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To crush or press something into a soft mass, often used in cooking to prepare food like potatoes or fruits.

Example

She is mashing the potatoes to make them creamy.

Tense Forms

Conversation

What are you doing with those potatoes?

I’m mashing them for dinner tonight!

That sounds delicious! Do you add anything special when mashing?

Root Explanation

Mashing → The word originates from the verb 'mash' (from Old English *mascan*, meaning to crush or press), combined with the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or process of). Thus, 'mashing' refers to the process of crushing or pressing something, typically food, into a soft mass.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'crushing' ('mascan') something into a soft mixture — that's what 'mashing' means.

Visually Confused Words