scorching

Everyday

1. (informal) Scorching means very, very hot. tree →
2. (informal) Scorching can mean very fast or very strong, like a «scorching shot» in football. tree →
3. Scorching is the -ing form of scorch: burning the surface. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday weather talk: «It's scorching today!» In safety: on scorching days wear a hat, drink water, use sun cream. In sport commentary, a scorching goal is a very hard shot. Phrases: «scorching hot», «a scorching day», «scorching sun».

Examples

• It's scorching today — let's go to the beach. tree →
• On a scorching day, remember sun cream and water. tree →
• The sand was scorching under our feet. tree →
• He scored with a scorching shot into the top corner. tree →
• The scorching sun made the tar on the road soft. tree →
• It was scorching hot: 38 degrees! tree →
• About mid-day he reached a sandy plain, scorching in the sun. tree →

Note

Informal and strong: scorching is hotter than hot. Opposite: freezing.

In Jewish tradition

Burning hot. In Isaiah it describes a fierce wind with which God dries up the sea of Egypt and the river.

Interpretation. It is read as a picture of God's power to open the way for exiles to return, as at the Red Sea.

Examples

• And the LORD will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with His scorching wind will He shake His hand over the River, and will smite it into seven streams, and cause men to march over dry-shod. (Prophets ISA.11.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Informal and strong: scorching is hotter than hot. Opposite: freezing.