Kindling: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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kindling

 

[หˆkษชnd.lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

firewood preparation

Dry twigs, paper, or other flammable material used to start a fire.

Synonyms

fire starter, ignition material, tinder.

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Word Description / Examples
kindling

Small sticks or twigs used to start a fire. Commonly used in the context of camping or wood-burning stoves.

  • We need more kindling to get this fire going.
  • He gathered kindling from the forest floor.
tinder

Very lightweight and dry material such as paper, bark, or grass that catches fire easily. Frequently mentioned in survival scenarios or when describing traditional fire-making techniques.

  • He used dry leaves as tinder to start the fire.
  • Tinder, like birch bark, can be extremely useful when you're trying to start a fire in the wild.
ignition material

Technical term commonly used in engineering or firefighting to describe any substance that can initiate combustion. Often used in formal or industrial contexts.

  • The engineers tested different ignition materials to find the most efficient one.
  • Proper storage of ignition material is crucial for safety.
fire starter

Materials or devices specifically designed to initiate a fire. This may include chemical compounds, commercial products, or natural materials.

  • I bought a pack of fire starters to make it easier to light the barbecue.
  • Using a fire starter can save a lot of time when trying to light a campfire.

Examples of usage

  • Sarah used kindling to start the campfire.
  • The kindling caught fire quickly and helped ignite the logs.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional context

Small acts of kindness or gestures that help build positive relationships.

Synonyms

acts of kindness, friendly gestures, gestures of goodwill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kindling

Used to refer to small pieces of wood or other materials used to start a fire. This term is often applied in camping, survival situations, or when discussing fire-building.

  • We need some kindling to get this campfire started.
  • She gathered kindling from the forest to use in the fireplace.
gestures of goodwill

Actions taken to demonstrate good intentions or a desire to promote positive relations, often in diplomatic, business, or conflict resolution contexts.

  • The company donated a large sum to charity as a gesture of goodwill.
  • Exchanging gifts can be seen as a gesture of goodwill between two parties.
acts of kindness

Refers to actions performed with the intention of helping or benefiting others, often without expecting anything in return. Common in contexts related to charity, community service, and personal relationships.

  • Her acts of kindness included volunteering at the local food bank.
  • Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.
friendly gestures

Describes actions or behaviors that show friendliness, warmth, or a desire to establish or maintain a good rapport. These are often used in social interactions to foster goodwill.

  • A friendly gesture like a smile or a wave can brighten someoneโ€™s day.
  • He made several friendly gestures, including offering her a ride home.

Examples of usage

  • Her kindling of friendship with her new neighbor made her feel welcome.
  • She appreciated the kindling of support from her colleagues during a difficult time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'kindling' comes from the Old English term 'cynd', meaning 'to ignite' or 'to be born'.
  • Originally, it described anything that caught fire easily, particularly small twigs or dry leaves.

Fire Safety

  • Using proper kindling is crucial for building a safe and efficient fire, as it affects how quickly and evenly a fire can start.
  • Natural kindling materials include thin branches, dried grass, and bark, which are preferred over synthetic items for safety.

Literature

  • Kindling is often used metaphorically in literature to represent the beginnings of a passion or idea that grows into something larger.
  • In poetry, kindling is sometimes described as the spark that ignites a change in emotions or thoughts.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, gathering kindling is a communal activity, symbolizing cooperation and preparation for warmth during cold seasons.
  • Traditional storytelling around fires often revolves around the process of collecting and using kindling, representing connection and survival.

Science

  • The combustion of kindling must reach a specific temperature for a fire to sustain itself, a principle explored in thermodynamics.
  • Chemical reactions in burning kindling produce heat and light, which are essential in various applications, including cooking and heating.

Translations

Translations of the word "kindling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gravetos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคˆเค‚เคงเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zรผndholz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kayu bakar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทะฟะฐะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podpaล‚ka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„šใไป˜ใ‘

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท allume-feu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ leรฑa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงฤฑra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ํ™”์šฉ ๋‚˜๋ฌด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุทุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ podpalovaฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ podpaฤพovaฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผ•็ซ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vลพigalni material

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kveikiefni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั‚ั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒ˜แƒก แƒฉแƒฎแƒ˜แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yanacaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ leรฑa

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,687, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.