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Ignite: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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ignite

[ษชษกหˆnaษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

fire

to set something on fire; to catch fire

Synonyms

inflame, kindle, light.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ignite

Typically used when something begins to burn or is set on fire, often in a literal or metaphorical sense.

  • The dry grass can ignite easily during summer
  • His speech managed to ignite a passion in the audience
light

Commonly used when illuminating an area or starting a fire in a more general sense.

  • Please light the candles before dinner
  • He struggled to light the match in the wind
kindle

Usually refers to starting a small fire or sparking an emotion or interest.

  • They used dry wood to kindle the campfire
  • Her love for music was kindled at a very young age
inflame

Often implies causing strong emotions, such as anger or excitement. Can also refer to causing physical inflammation.

  • The politician's comments seemed to inflame the crowd
  • The rash started to inflame, causing considerable discomfort

Examples of usage

  • The match ignited the gasoline.
  • The dry leaves ignited easily in the hot sun.
Context #2 | Verb

start

to start or provoke something

Synonyms

spark, stimulate, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ignite

Used to describe the act of setting something on fire or starting something with intense passion. Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The dry wood will ignite easily
  • Her speech managed to ignite a movement for change
spark

Typically used to indicate the beginning or cause of something, often a small but influential event. It can refer to both literal sparks (like from a fire) and metaphorical sparks (like ideas).

  • A tiny spark ignited the whole forest
  • Their conversation sparked an idea for a new project
trigger

Often used to describe an action that initiates a response or starts a sequence of events. This word can have a slightly negative connotation, especially when referring to negative reactions.

  • This comment could trigger an argument
  • An allergy to peanuts can trigger a severe reaction
stimulate

Used to describe something that encourages activity or development, particularly in a mental or physical way. Commonly used in educational or biological contexts.

  • The new teacher's methods really stimulate student interest
  • Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system

Examples of usage

  • His speech ignited a heated debate among the audience.
  • The new policy ignited protests across the country.
Context #3 | Noun

passion

a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement

Synonyms

impetus, spark, stimulus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ignite

Used when starting a fire or causing something to begin happening, often used metaphorically.

  • The match will ignite the wood
  • Her speech ignited a movement for change
spark

Used to describe generating a small burst of fire, light, or energy, or to start an idea or action, often unexpectedly.

  • The wires touched and created a spark
  • Her comments sparked a lively debate
stimulus

Used to describe something that provokes or encourages a response or action, often used in scientific or economic contexts.

  • The new policy served as a stimulus for economic growth
  • Light is a stimulus that triggers plant growth
impetus

Used to describe something that encourages a particular action or makes it more likely to happen.

  • The grant provided the impetus for the research project
  • Losing his job was the impetus for him to start his own business

Examples of usage

  • Her speech was an ignite of inspiration for the team.
  • The event was an ignite for change in the community.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ignire', which means 'to set on fire'.
  • Its roots can be traced to the Latin word 'ignis', meaning 'fire'.
  • The term evolved through Old French before entering English in the late 15th century.

Science

  • Ignition is the process of starting combustion, which requires fuel, heat, and an oxidizer, typically oxygen.
  • In physics, igniting a substance can refer to the moment when it starts to release energy in the form of light and heat.
  • The ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required for a substance to ignite without an external source of ignition.

Pop Culture

  • In music, 'ignite' is often used metaphorically to describe sparking emotions or passions, like in popular songs about love or motivation.
  • Various movies use the concept of ignition in thrilling chase scenes, often representing the beginning of an exciting adventure.
  • The phrase 'ignite your passion' is commonly used in motivational speeches to encourage people to pursue their dreams.

Literature

  • In literature, igniting often symbolizes the start of conflict or transformation in characters.
  • Famous literary works use fire as a motif, representing both destruction and illumination, seen through the act of igniting.
  • Poets frequently use imagery of fire to express intense emotions, linking it to passion, anger, or enlightenment.

Environmental Studies

  • Controlled burns are a method of managing forests, involving intentional ignition to remove underbrush and prevent larger wildfires.
  • Ignition can impact ecosystems significantly, influencing plant growth and animal habitats post-burn.
  • Natural ignitions, like lightning strikes, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of certain ecosystems by rejuvenating soil.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,213, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.