burn away
B2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To slowly disappear while burning, or to burn something until it is all gone.
Literal meaning: To burn until something is burned completely away/gone.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To continue burning steadily, especially over a long period.
"The log fire burned away quietly through the evening while they talked."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To destroy or remove something completely by burning it.
"The intense heat burned away the protective coating on the metal pipes."
Grammar: separable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(Figurative) To gradually diminish or fade over time.
"His initial enthusiasm for the project burned away after months of setbacks and delays."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can be intransitive (the fire burns away) or transitive (to burn away impurities). Also used figuratively for things that gradually diminish.
Commonly used with
fire candle impurities mist rust fat
Forms
Base
burn away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
burns away
he/she/it
Past simple
burned away
yesterday
Past participle
burned away
have + pp
-ing form
burning away
continuous
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