English · Common Verbs
burn
/bɜːrn/
[/bɜːrn/]
to be on fire or damaged by heat
Beginnerverb
Definition
Base form of the verb 'burn': to be on fire, or to damage or destroy something with heat or flame.
Example
Please be careful not to burn the toast while you are talking on the phone.
Please be careful not to burn the toast while you are talking on the phone.
Etymology
From Old English 'beornan' (to be on fire) and 'bærnan' (to set on fire), of Germanic origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Used as the dictionary form after 'to' and with most subjects in the present tense.