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ignite

/ɪɡˈnaɪt/
verb★Intermediate
general

to start burning or cause something to catch fire

She lit a match and ignited the candles on the cake.

She used a match to start the candles burning.

💡

Can be used both literally (starting a fire) and metaphorically (starting a process or emotion).

figurative

to arouse strong emotions or reactions

His speech ignited a wave of enthusiasm among the crowd.

His speech made the crowd feel very excited and motivated.

💡

Often used to describe the sudden arousal of strong feelings or actions.

Collocations

ignite a fireto start a fireignite a debateto start a heated discussionignite a passionto arouse strong feelings or interests

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

ignite a sparkphrase
to start something new or exciting
ignite a controversyphrase
to cause a heated argument or debate

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Remember that 'ignite' can mean both to start a fire and to arouse strong emotions or reactions.

⚡Gold Rule

Common Usage

'Ignite' is often used in contexts involving fire, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of strong emotions or actions.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'igniten,' from Old French 'igniter,' from Latin 'ignitus,' past participle of 'ignire,' meaning 'to set on fire,' from 'ignis' meaning 'fire.'

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (starting a fire) and metaphorically (starting a process or emotion).

Word Breakdown

ign
fire
root
+
-ite
to cause to be
suffix
English Dictionary

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