Pronunciation: [smˈə͡ʊldəd] (IPA) 
The word "smouldered" is a British variant of the American spelling "smoldered". It means to burn slowly with smoke but no flame. The IPA phonetic transcription of "smouldered" is /ˈsmoʊldəd/. The first syllable "sm" is pronounced with an "s" sound followed by a "m" sound. The "o" and "u" vowels are combined and pronounced as a long "o" sound. The final syllable "dered" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound followed by a "d" sound.
The term "smouldered" refers to the process or action of burning or glowing slowly with smoke, heat, or deep-seated fire, without producing an open flame or bursting into flames. This verb commonly denotes the state of something that is partially engulfed in fire but does not fully ignite. This slow and smoky combustion is usually characterized by a faint, creeping fire and the emission of smoke rather than a visible flame.
When an object or substance smoulders, it typically undergoes a low-intensity, often hidden, combustion. This process can occur due to various factors, such as high heat, the presence of flammable materials, or insufficient oxygen supply. Smouldering can be observed in different contexts, including wildfires, burning embers, or even cigarettes left unattended.
In addition to the physical sense, "smouldered" can also be metaphorically used to describe a state of suppressed or hidden intensity. In this context, it conveys a sense of restrained or muted emotions, ideas, or conflicts that have not yet fully erupted or been expressed openly. It suggests the presence of a simmering, underlying tension or potential that may eventually manifest itself in a more forceful or noticeable manner.
Overall, the term "smouldered" encapsulates the notion of slow, quiet, and often hidden burning or intensity, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.
The word "smouldered" is derived from the Middle English word "smouldren", which was inspired by the Old English word "smorian". This Old English term referred to the act of emitting smoke or producing a slow burn. The origin can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "smōrian", which meant "to smolder or emit smoke". Ultimately, the word can be linked to the Indo-European root "*smeu-", which denoted "to smoke, smolder, or smudge".
