Burn superficially or lightly is a term that can be used to describe four different processes. SINGE, which has five letters, is the process of burning off the surface of something with a flame. MAR, which has three letters, is the process of burning something with a hot iron. SEAR, which has four letters, is the process of burning the surface of something with intense heat. Finally, CHAR, which also has four letters, is the process of burning something until it is blackened and brittle.