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Flammable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flammable

[ˈflæməbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

handling of materials

Easily set on fire; combustible.

Synonyms

combustible, ignitable, inflammable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flammable

Suitable when describing materials that can easily catch fire.

  • The sign warned that the area contained flammable gases.
  • Always store flammable liquids in a cool, dry place.
combustible

Often referring to materials that can burn but might require higher temperatures or specific conditions to ignite.

  • Wood is a combustible material that requires a spark to ignite.
  • Combustible items must be kept away from heat sources.
inflammable

Identical in meaning to flammable, used to indicate something that can easily catch fire. Sometimes confusing due to the prefix 'in-'.

  • Inflammable curtains near the fireplace are a safety hazard.
  • Keep inflammable materials away from open flames.
ignitable

Used to describe something that can be set on fire, though it may require more effort than merely being flammable.

  • Certain chemicals are highly ignitable under the right conditions.
  • Store ignitable materials in safe, controlled areas.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to keep the flammable materials away from the open flame.
  • The label on the canister clearly indicates that the contents are flammable.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotions

Easily excited or aroused.

Synonyms

excitable, temperamental, volatile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flammable

Used to describe substances that can catch fire easily.

  • Keep flammable materials away from open flames
  • The storage area for flammable liquids must be well-ventilated
volatile

Used to describe something or someone likely to change unpredictably, especially for worse; can refer to people, situations, or substances.

  • The political situation was highly volatile, with protests breaking out across the country
  • The stock market has become very volatile in recent months
excitable

Used to describe someone who gets excited or emotionally reactive easily.

  • The excitable puppy barked at every little noise
  • He is an excitable person who can get very enthusiastic about small things
temperamental

Used to describe someone with unpredictable moods, who can be easily upset or change their mood quickly.

  • She is talented but very temperamental, which makes her difficult to work with
  • The temperamental artist refused to speak with anyone

Examples of usage

  • Her flammable temper often led to arguments with her colleagues.
  • The political situation was already tense, and his comments were like adding fuel to a flammable situation.

Translations

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

Origin of 'flammable'

The word 'flammable' has its roots in the Latin word 'flammare', meaning 'to set on fire'. The term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe materials that easily catch fire. Over time, 'inflammable' was also used with the same meaning, leading to confusion due to the negative prefix 'in-' suggesting non-flammable. As a result, 'flammable' became the preferred term to avoid misunderstandings. Today, the word is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the potential for ignition or excitement.

See also: enflame, flambeau, flamboyance, flamboyant, flamelet, flamer, flames, flamethrower, flaming, inflame, inflaming, inflammable, inflammation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,272, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.