Pronunciation: [bˈɜːn ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "burn away" includes the phonetic sounds /bərn əˈweɪ/. The "b" is pronounced as in the word "bed," followed by the sound "ə" as in "a" in "sofa." The "r" sound is emphasized, followed by the "n" sound pronounced as in "known." The second part of the word "away" is pronounced as "uh-wey," with an emphasis on the "wey" sound. The overall sound of "burn away" is like "BERN-uh-wey."
The term "burn away" refers to the process of something being consumed by fire or heat until it completely disappears or is reduced to ashes. It typically involves the transformation of solid matter into gaseous or vaporized form, leaving behind no trace of the original object or material that was subjected to intense heat.
This phrase is often utilized to describe the act of incineration or the combustion of substances such as paper, wood, or other flammable materials. When an object is burned away, it is gradually eroded and disintegrated due to the chemical reaction between the material and the heat source. As the combustion progresses, the bonds holding the molecules together break down, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light.
The term "burn away" can also be used metaphorically to describe the gradual disappearance or elimination of something intangible or abstract. For instance, when referring to emotional pain or traumatic memories, to burn away signifies the process of healing or getting rid of the negative experience over time. Similarly, in the context of motivation or enthusiasm, it can denote the gradual loss or decline of passion or drive. In this figurative sense, "burn away" portrays the gradual dissipation or eradication of a particular element or aspect.
The word "burn away" consists of two distinct parts: "burn" and "away".
The term "burn" comes from the Old English verb "byrnan", which meant "to be on fire" or "to set on fire". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "brinnan". The word has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over hundreds of years.
The word "away" is derived from the Old English adverb "onweg" or "onweġ", which meant "from this place" or "in another direction". It is formed from the combination of the word "on", meaning "on" or "at", and "weg", meaning "way" or "road". Gradually, "onweg" evolved into "away" to indicate movement or distancing from a place.
