enflame - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
enflame Word Meanings
- to ignite flames
- to provoke strong emotions
- to intensify a situation
enflame Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
enflame Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈfleɪm/
US
/ɪnˈfleɪm/
enflame Word Etymology
(a) en- (prefix meaning 'to cause to be in') + flame; (b) From Latin 'inflammare' → Old French 'enflammer' → English 'enflame'; (c) Imagine a fire being kindled, flames rising and consuming everything, representing how strong emotions can take over just like fire spreads.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Enflame is a strong, somewhat formal verb meaning to set on fire or to provoke intense emotion. Literally, it can describe lighting flames, but it is more often used metaphorically to describe anger, passion, or conflict that grows rapidly. You might say a speech enflamed the crowd, or a controversy enflamed tensions between groups. It is less common in everyday speech than inflame or ignite, and it can sound dramatic or literary in fiction or journalism. Be mindful of the object: you enflame someone by arousing their feelings, or you enflame a situation by making it more volatile. Associated collocations include enflame passions, enflame anger, and enflame a dispute.
Usage Reminders
- - Reserve enflame for dramatic, literary, or journalistic tone.
- - Distinguish between objects: enflame a crowd vs enflame a controversy.
- - Prefer inflame or ignite in casual speech.
- - Use with emotions or disputes, not physical actions alone.
- - Check whether the subject is a person or a situation to avoid awkward phrasing.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to literal fire, not emotions.
- It is the same as ignite; both are interchangeable in all contexts.
- It can be used with any object without nuance.
- It is common in everyday speech.
- It describes making someone angry rather than arousing passion.
Thinking Differences
Enflame tends to feel dramatic or literary to English speakers; it emphasizes a forceful amplification of emotion or conflict, more so than simple anger or ignition. Learners often confuse it with inflame or ignite, misplacing the target or overemphasizing physical fire. Practice with both a person and a situation as objects to show nuance.
Learning Tips
- Compare enflame with ignite and inflame in pairs.
- Notice it usually describes emotions or conflicts, not just fires.
- Use in formal writing or literary contexts.
- Pair with a clear object (crowd, tensions, passions).
- Watch for collocations like enflame passions or enflame tensions.
- Practice paraphrasing with verbs like spark or heighten instead.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'enflame'?
A.To put out a fire
B.To ignite or intensify emotions
C.To paint a surface
D.To hide or conceal
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'enflame' correctly?
A.The fire department tried to enflame the building.
B.His passionate speech seemed to enflame the crowd's enthusiasm.
C.She decided to enflame her room with new furniture.
D.The calm water enflamed in the morning light.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'enflame'?
A.Calm
B.Cool
C.Excite
D.Douse
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'enflame'?
A.Intensify
B.Agitate
C.Soften
D.Heighten
Step 5: Mastery
Can you provide a real-life context where the word 'enflame' is used correctly?
A.The teacher tried to keep the students' interest.
B.He was calm during the debate.
C.The news article helped to enflame public opinion on the matter.
D.The artist loved to depict serene landscapes.
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