Ember Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ember

[ˈɛmbər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fire

A small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.

Synonyms

ashes, cinders, coal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ember	Usually refers to a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire. Often retained some heat and glow. She stared thoughtfully at the glowing ember in the fireplace The campfire had died down, leaving only one hot ember
coal	A hard, black sedimentary rock used as a fuel source which when burned produces heat and is often associated with historical or industrial contexts. They shoveled coal into the furnace to keep the factory running A lump of coal sat in the stove, ready to be ignited
ashes	The remains of a fire, typically a powdery residue left after the combustion of wood, coal, or other material. Often signifies the end or destruction. The house was reduced to ashes after the forest fire He scattered the ashes of the burned papers into the wind
cinders	Partially burned coal or wood that still has combustive capability, often blackened but lacking significant glow or heat. Cinders from the fireplace had spread out onto the hearth The track was covered with cinders, making it difficult to walk

Examples of usage

The embers of the campfire crackled in the night.
Only a few embers remained in the fireplace.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

A small remaining part of something that was once greater or more significant.

Synonyms

remnant, trace, vestige.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ember	Use 'ember' when referring to a small, glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire that is slowly dying out. She watched the last ember of the campfire flicker and fade. An ember escaped from the fireplace and landed on the rug.
remnant	Use 'remnant' when talking about a small remaining quantity of something, often from a larger whole, and can be used in both physical and metaphorical sense. She found a remnant of fabric in the sewing box. The remnant of the old castle stood proudly on the hill.
vestige	Use 'vestige' in more formal or literary contexts, referring to a remaining part of something that is disappearing or no longer exists. It often implies something ancient or historical. There was not a vestige of the ancient civilization visible. These traditions are the last vestiges of a bygone era.
trace	Use 'trace' when referring to a very small amount of something that is barely noticeable or a sign of something that once existed. There was a trace of sadness in his voice. The police found a trace of blood at the crime scene.

Examples of usage

The embers of his former passion still lingered in his heart.
She tried to rekindle the embers of their friendship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'ember'

The word 'ember' originated from the Old English word 'æmyrge', which meant a live coal. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Embers have been an essential part of human history, as they were used for warmth, cooking, and signaling. In many cultures, embers hold symbolic significance, representing both the fading of the past and the potential for new growth.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,199, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26196 sear
26197 motioning
26198 unbending
26199 ember
26200 howsoever
26201 ductal
26202 petted
...