The phrase “burned down” is a common term used to describe a building or structure that has been destroyed by fire. It is a term that is often used in news reports, insurance claims, and legal proceedings. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “burned down” and its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term “burned down” refers to a building or structure that has been destroyed by fire. It means that the building or structure has been completely consumed by flames and is no longer standing.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “burned down” can be traced back to the Middle English word “brennen,” which means “to burn.” The word “down” was added later to indicate that the building or structure had been completely destroyed.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “burned down” means “to destroy (a building or structure) completely by fire.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to reduce a building or structure to ashes or rubble by fire.”
Associations
The phrase “burned down” is often associated with destruction, loss, and tragedy. It is often used in news reports to describe the aftermath of a fire, and it can evoke feelings of sadness and despair.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “burned down” include “destroyed by fire,” “consumed by flames,” “razed to the ground,” and “reduced to ashes.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “burned down” include “standing,” “intact,” “unharmed,” and “undamaged.”
The same root words
The root words for “burned down” are “burn” and “down.” “Burn” comes from the Middle English word “brennen,” while “down” comes from the Old English word “dūn,” which means “hill.”
Example Sentences
- The old church burned down last night.
- The entire neighborhood was devastated when the school burned down.
- The family lost everything when their house burned down.
- The firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the forest from burning down.
- The historical landmark was destroyed when the museum burned down.
In conclusion, “burned down” is a term that is used to describe a building or structure that has been destroyed by fire. It is a phrase that is often associated with tragedy and loss. Understanding the meaning and associations of “burned down” can help us to better comprehend the impact of fires on our communities and our lives.