Word
burst
Meanings
a sudden, short period of strong activity, emotion, or sound
to break open suddenly and forcefully, letting air, liquid, or pieces escape
to move somewhere suddenly and quickly
Definition
A burst is a sudden, brief increase or release of energy, activity, or sound.
A burst is something that happens suddenly and lasts only a short time, such as a quick period of activity, noise, or emotion. It can also refer to something breaking open so that air, liquid, or pieces come out quickly. In everyday English, it often describes brief, intense moments rather than long, steady changes.
Examples
- After weeks of planning, the team worked in a burst of focused energy to meet the deadline.
- I heard a sudden burst of laughter from the next room and relaxed immediately.
- The old hose burst during the heatwave, soaking his shoes and the garden path.
- She burst into the studio without knocking, clearly excited by what she had discovered.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the noun and verb forms and say "a burst" when they mean "it burst" (e.g., "The pipe had a burst" instead of "The pipe burst").
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