Meaning & use
ignite
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To start burning, or to make something start burning.
Grammar: Fuel can ignite on its own, or a spark can ignite it.
Patterns
- ignite something
- something ignites
A spark ignited the dry grass.
The gas ignited with a loud bang.
He ignited the stove with a match.
verbtransitivefigurative
To start a strong feeling, conflict or argument.
Grammar: Takes an object: ignite passion.
Patterns
- ignite something in someone
The coach's speech ignited the team's spirit.
The decision ignited a fierce debate.
A teacher's praise ignited her love of reading.
Word forms
| third person singular | ignites |
|---|---|
| past tense | ignited |
| past participle | ignited |
| -ing form | igniting |
Common combinations
- ignite a fire
- A single match can ignite a fire.
- ignite debate
- The article ignited debate online.
- ignite passion
- Music ignited her passion.
- ignite controversy
- The remark ignited controversy.
- spontaneously ignite
- Oily rags can spontaneously ignite.
Synonyms and how they differ
- kindle
- Kindle suggests starting a small, slow fire or feeling, while ignite is quicker and stronger.
- spark
- Spark is more informal and implies a small trigger that sets off something bigger.
- light
- Light is the everyday word for physical fires and does not work for feelings.
- trigger
- Trigger focuses on setting off an event, not on fire.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: ignite or incite? ignite or inflame?
ignite vs incite
Incite means to encourage violence or anger, while ignite starts a fire or strong feeling.
ignite vs inflame
Inflame makes an existing feeling stronger, while ignite starts it.
Practice
The teacher's story helped ______ her students' interest in space.
Choose one answer.
Ignite interest means to start it strongly. Extinguish, reduce and delay all suggest the opposite or a different effect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ignite”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.