scorched
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /skɔːrtʃt/
KK: /skɔrtʃt/
adjective
Definition
Damaged or dried out due to extreme heat or sunlight.
Example
The scorched earth was a result of the intense drought.
Conversation
Have you seen the garden lately?
Yeah, it looks really scorched from the sun.
I didn't think it would get so dry this summer.
I know! We really need to start watering it more often.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
burnt
charred
seared
Antonyms
fresh
moist
cool
verb
Definition
To have burned something slightly or damaged it by heat, often leaving it dry or blackened.
Example
The sun scorched the grass, turning it brown and dry.
Tense Forms
Past: scorched
Past Participle: scorched
Conversation
Did you see how the sun scorched the grass in the park yesterday?
Yeah, it looked so dry and brown!
I hope it rains soon, or everything will be scorched for the summer.
Root Explanation
Scorched → It is formed from "scorch" (from Old French *escorchier*, meaning to burn or to skin) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "scorched" means having been burned or charred, typically by heat.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been 'burned' ('scorch') in the past, which is what 'scorched' describes.
Visually Confused Words
unscorched
scoured
porched
couched
conched