How Do You Spell BURN DOWN?

Pronunciation: [bˈɜːn dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The word "burn down" is spelled exactly as it sounds, with no silent letters or unexpected combinations. The initial "b" sound is followed by the "er" sound, represented by the "u" and "r" letters, respectively. The "n" sound is pronounced next, followed by the "d" sound, represented by the "d" letter. Finally, the "ow" sound is represented by the "o" and "wn" combinations. In IPA phonetic transcription, "burn down" is spelled /bəːn daʊn/.

BURN DOWN Meaning and Definition

1. Burn down refers to the complete destruction of a building or structure due to fire. It is the process by which flames engulf and consume the entire edifice, reducing it to ashes. The term is primarily used in the context of accidents or incidents involving fire, describing the complete combustion and annihilation of a building.

   When a structure burns down, the fire spreads rapidly, consuming all combustible materials within its path. The intensity of the flames gradually weakens the structural integrity of the building, leading to its collapse. The process is often accompanied by dense smoke, heat, and a roaring sound.

   The term "burn down" can also have a metaphorical usage beyond its literal meaning. In a figurative sense, it refers to the complete eradication or destruction of something other than a physical structure. This could imply the annihilation of a business, reputation, or project, often due to failure, disaster, or other catastrophic events.

   In summary, "burn down" is a term that primarily denotes the complete destruction of a building or a structure as a result of a fire. It can also be used metaphorically to imply the total annihilation or obliteration of something beyond a physical entity.

Common Misspellings for BURN DOWN

• vurn down
• nurn down
• hurn down
• gurn down
• byrn down
• bhrn down
• bjrn down
• birn down
• b8rn down
• b7rn down
• buen down
• budn down
• bufn down
• butn down
• bu5n down
• bu4n down
• burb down
• burm down
• burj down

Etymology of BURN DOWN

The etymology of the phrase "burn down" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components.

1. Burn: The word "burn" is derived from the Old English verb "byrnan", which traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "brinnan". This term shares its roots with Old Norse "brenna", Old High German "brinnan", and Gothic "brinnan" as well. The Proto-Germanic word "brinnan" essentially means "to burn" or "be set on fire".

2. Down: The word "down" has multiple origins, and the usage in the phrase "burn down" can be traced to Old English. It stems from the Proto-Germanic word "dūnuz", which meant "hill" or "mound". The English term "down" has evolved to have various meanings, including expressing downward direction or movement.

Idioms with the word BURN DOWN

• burn down The phrase "burn down" typically means to destroy completely by fire, usually used in a literal sense. It can also be used metaphorically to mean to destroy or ruin something entirely.

Similar spelling words for BURN DOWN

• run down,
• burned,
• burned-out,
• burden,
• run-down.