Food / B2

STUR/stɜː/

To stir is to mix a liquid with a spoon, or to cause feeling or trouble: stir up rumours; stir the mixture. Mix is everyday; provoke is stronger for trouble. Do not stir up rumours about grades. Noun: a stir (public excitement). Mix-up: steer is to direct a vehicle (already elsewhere); stare is to look. Do not write stir for “steer the debate” as driving.

Meaning

To mix a liquid by moving a spoon; also to cause feeling or trouble (stir up).

Examples

• “Do not stir up rumours about grades before the embargo lifts at midday.”
• “Stir the solution until it dissolves, which is the mix sense.”

Good to know

stir + liquid; stir up + noun; cause a stir. Everyday: mix. Trap: steer / stare. Chemistry, news, and orals. Mix or provoke, not drive a car.

Near in meaning

mix

Topics

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