Ignite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'ignite'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'ignite' comes from the Latin word 'ignitus', which means 'set on fire'. The concept of ignition has been essential to human civilization for centuries, allowing us to harness the power of fire for warmth, cooking, and industry. The ability to ignite materials has played a crucial role in the advancement of technology and the development of societies.


See also: ignitable, igniter, ignition, ignitions, ignitor, lignite, reignite.

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.