Flares Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flares

[flɛəz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emergency signal

Flares are small, bright, burning objects that are used as signals, especially on ships and aircraft, to warn of danger or attract attention.

Synonyms

beacon, flare gun, signal.

Examples of usage

  • The ship sent up a flare to signal for help.
  • The pilot activated the flare to indicate an emergency.
Context #2 | Noun

garment style

Flares are trousers that become wider from the knee downwards.

Synonyms

bell-bottoms, flare pants, wide-leg pants.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flares

Commonly used in casual conversation and fashion descriptions to refer to pants that widen from the knee down.

  • I love wearing flares with my vintage shirts.
  • Flares are making a comeback this season.
bell-bottoms

Often associated with 1970s fashion and culture, used when discussing retro or vintage styles.

  • My mom has a pair of bell-bottoms from when she was in high school.
  • Bell-bottoms were all the rage during the disco era.
wide-leg pants

Refers to any pants that have a wide fit throughout, often used in fashion discussions and styling advice.

  • Wide-leg pants are great for a comfortable yet stylish look.
  • She prefers wide-leg pants over skinny jeans.
flare pants

Used in fashion catalogs, advertisements, and formal writing when describing pants that flare out at the bottom.

  • These flare pants pair perfectly with high heels.
  • The new collection includes flare pants in various colors and fabrics.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a pair of flares with a colorful top.
  • Flares were a popular fashion trend in the 1970s.
Context #3 | Verb

suddenly burst out

If something flares, it suddenly bursts out or becomes bigger.

Synonyms

blaze up, erupt, flare-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flares

This repetition in the list suggests another form or usage frequency; see the first instance for context and examples.

  • The soldier used flares to signal for help.
  • The fireworks flares lit up the night sky.
blaze up

This phrase is generally used to describe something catching fire quickly or a sudden burst of strong emotions.

  • The dry leaves blazed up as soon as they caught a spark.
  • She tends to blaze up when she's angry.
flare-up

This word is often used in medicine or general language to describe a sudden worsening of a condition or a situation; it often carries a negative connotation.

  • She had a flare-up of her arthritis.
  • There was a flare-up of violence in the area.
erupt

Commonly used to describe a sudden release of something intense, like a volcano, or a burst of emotions.

  • The volcano erupted, spewing lava for miles.
  • The crowd erupted in cheers when the team scored.

Examples of usage

  • The fire flared up in the strong wind.
  • His temper flared when he heard the news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Flares can be created by chemical reactions that produce intense heat and light, often involving compounds that burn brightly.
  • Solar flares are huge bursts of energy from the sun, releasing as much energy as billions of atomic bombs.

Technology

  • In modern emergencies, road flares are essential for safely signaling to other drivers where help is needed.
  • Flares are also used in fireworks displays, adding drama and color to celebrations by creating beautiful bright bursts in the sky.

Pop Culture

  • Flares feature prominently in films and TV shows, often used in dramatic scenes where characters signal for help in the wilderness.
  • Songs and music videos might use visual imagery of flares to symbolize hope or a shout for attention.

Art

  • Artists sometimes use flare imagery to represent illuminating ideas or sudden inspirations, showing how a spark can ignite creativity.
  • In photography, flares can be used creatively to enhance visual storytelling, giving a feeling of warmth and urgency.

Origin of 'flares'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flare' comes from the Old English word 'flaerre', which means to spread or blaze.
  • In the 18th century, the term began being used to describe bright, spreading light, linking it to the idea of a fire.

The word 'flares' has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'flaren', meaning to blaze or shine brightly. Over the years, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings, from emergency signals to fashion styles. Today, 'flares' continue to be used in both literal and figurative contexts, reflecting their versatile nature and enduring popularity.


See also: flare.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,709, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.