schwelend
smolder
Etwas brennt langsam und ohne offene Flamme, oft mit Rauch.
The German word "schwelend" is the present participle of the verb "schwelen," which means "to smolder" or "to burn slowly without flame." It refers to something that is simmering, festering, or continuing in a latent, suppressed state, often used metaphorically for unresolved tensions or issues.
- Schwelen: to smolder; a slow, steady, and hidden burning.
Similar words include:
- glimmen (to glow faintly, smolder lightly)
- brodeln (to simmer or boil, often figuratively)
- dauern (to last, continue, but more general)
Difference: "Schwelend" conveys a slow, hidden, simmering state (often negative or unresolved), whereas words like glimmen focus on faint glowing, and brodeln implies more active simmering or bubbling, often with more overt intensity.
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Examples
Die schwelende Glut war noch sichtbar.adjective
The smoldering embers were still visible.
Er verließ den Raum mit schwelender Wut im Herzen.adjective
He left the room with smoldering anger in his heart.
Zwischen den Kollegen gab es schon lange einen schwelenden Konflikt.adjective
There had long been a smoldering conflict between the colleagues.
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