kindle

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To make a fire start burning by lighting dry material and helping flames grow.

   Grammar: Takes an object: kindle the fire; compare the intransitive use for something beginning to burn.

   Patterns

   • kindle a fire
   • kindle dry wood
   • kindle with matches

   He used dry leaves to kindle the campfire.

   It is hard to kindle damp wood in the rain.

2. 2verbtransitivefigurative

   To cause a feeling, interest, or argument to begin or grow stronger.

   Grammar: Transitive and usually figurative; common objects are hope, anger, interest, and passion.

   Patterns

   • kindle interest
   • kindle hope
   • kindle anger

   The teacher's question kindled interest in astronomy.

   A single rumor kindled anger across the town.

3. 3verbintransitiveliterary

   To begin to burn or glow, often used in a literary style.

   Grammar: No object; the flames themselves do the kindling, often with a sudden or poetic sense.

   Patterns

   • flames kindle
   • a spark kindles
   • kindle into flame

   A spark fell onto the paper and kindled instantly.

   The dry grass kindled into flame within seconds.

Word forms

Common combinations

kindle a fire

They used newspaper to kindle a fire in the stove.

kindle interest in something

The museum visit kindled interest in ancient history.

kindle hope

The ceasefire kindled hope for the refugees.

kindle anger

The unfair decision kindled anger among workers.

kindling a flame

Kindling a flame is harder when the wind is strong.

Synonyms and how they differ

ignite

Suggests sudden catching fire; kindle can imply a slower, careful start, especially figuratively.

spark

Often figurative and quicker; kindle can mean feed or grow a feeling, not only trigger it.

arouse

Used for feelings or interest; not for literal fires.

Opposites

Word family

kindling noun

Small dry pieces of wood used to start a fire; also the act of kindling.

rekindle verb

To make a fire, feeling, or relationship start again.

kindler noun

A person or thing that kindles, less common than the verb.

Commonly confused: kindle or kindling?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “kindle”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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