Ablaze: meaning, definitions and examples

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ablaze

[əˈbleɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

fire

Burning fiercely; in flames.

Synonyms

burning, flaming, on fire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ablaze	This word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to convey something brightly lit or set on fire. It can be used metaphorically to describe something full of emotion or energy. The forest was ablaze with autumn colors Her eyes were ablaze with excitement
burning	Used to describe something that is being consumed by fire or to convey an intense feeling or sensation. This word can be both literal and figurative. The house was burning for hours before the firefighters arrived He had a burning desire to win the competition
flaming	Describes something that has flames or is burning intensely. It is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe something that is very intense or passionate. Flaming torches lined the pathway They had a flaming argument last night
on fire	Generally describes something that is currently in flames or has caught fire. It is also used informally to describe someone doing something exceptionally well. The car is on fire! He's on fire today, scoring goals like never before

Examples of usage

The house was ablaze when the firefighters arrived.
The forest was ablaze with the raging fire.
The candles were ablaze, illuminating the room.
The car was ablaze after the crash.
The city skyline was ablaze with fireworks.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

intensity

Very brightly or intensely burning.

Synonyms

brightly, intensely, vividly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ablaze	Used to describe something that is on fire or shining very brightly, often with an emotional connotation of excitement or passion. The forest was ablaze with flames after the lightning strike. Her eyes were ablaze with excitement as she opened the gift.
intensely	Typically used to describe something done with great energy, concentration, or to a high degree, often with an emotional or serious tone. She stared at the painting intensely, trying to understand its meaning. The sun shone intensely, making it hard to see without sunglasses.
vividly	Used to describe something that is very clear and detailed, often in terms of color, memories, or descriptions. He vividly remembered his childhood summers spent at the lake. The artist used vivid colors to bring the landscape to life.

Word

Description / Examples

ablaze

Used to describe something that is on fire or shining very brightly, often with an emotional connotation of excitement or passion.

The forest was ablaze with flames after the lightning strike.
Her eyes were ablaze with excitement as she opened the gift.

intensely

Typically used to describe something done with great energy, concentration, or to a high degree, often with an emotional or serious tone.

She stared at the painting intensely, trying to understand its meaning.
The sun shone intensely, making it hard to see without sunglasses.

vividly

Used to describe something that is very clear and detailed, often in terms of color, memories, or descriptions.

He vividly remembered his childhood summers spent at the lake.
The artist used vivid colors to bring the landscape to life.

Examples of usage

The fireworks lit up the sky ablaze.
The sun set the horizon ablaze.
The flames danced ablaze in the night.
The torches burned ablaze in the darkness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ablaze' comes from Middle English, where it was used to describe things that were 'on fire'.
It combines 'a-' (meaning 'in') and 'blaze,' giving a sense of being completely engulfed in fire.
The use of 'blaze' dates back to Old English, which means 'to shine' or 'to burn brightly.'

Literature

In poetry, 'ablaze' is often used to evoke powerful emotions, symbolizing passion or destruction.
Notable works, including Robert Frost's 'Fire and Ice,' metaphorically explore the concept of burning in relation to desire and hate.
Classic novels frequently describe scenes 'ablaze' to intensify moments of conflict or climax.

Pop Culture

'Ablaze' is often used in songs and movies to symbolize love, excitement, or trouble, enhancing dramatic tension.
In video games, characters can be described as 'ablaze' to indicate they are in a powerful or dangerous state.
Numerous band names and album titles utilize 'blaze' to connect with themes of intensity and energy.

Science

Fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when heat, fuel, and oxygen come together; 'ablaze' typically describes this visual phenomenon.
Research indicates that flames can reach temperatures between 800 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, producing a bright light that signifies being 'ablaze.'
Different materials produce varying colors when they are ablaze, depending on the chemical composition being burned.

Psychology

The imagery of being 'ablaze' can trigger feelings of urgency or passion in individuals, reflecting intense emotions.
In therapy, discussing feelings that make someone feel 'ablaze' can indicate underlying issues of anxiety or heightened awareness.
The concept of 'burnout' in psychology uses fire metaphors, suggesting feelings of exhaustion can feel like one is no longer 'ablaze' with energy.

Translations

Translations of the word "ablaze" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em chamas

🇮🇳 जलता हुआ

🇩🇪 in Flammen

🇮🇩 terbakar

🇺🇦 у вогні

🇵🇱 w płomieniach

🇯🇵 燃えている

🇫🇷 en flammes

🇪🇸 en llamas

🇹🇷 alevler içinde

🇰🇷 불타는

🇸🇦 مشتعل

🇨🇿 v plamenech

🇸🇰 v plameňoch

🇨🇳 着火

🇸🇮 v plamenih

🇮🇸 í logum

🇰🇿 отқа оранған

🇬🇪 ალმოდებული

🇦🇿 alovlu

🇲🇽 en llamas

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,790, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22787 charterer
22788 anachronism
22789 villi
22790 ablaze
22791 steadied
22792 winery
22793 urination
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