Flare
/flɛər/
nounverbB2
Definition
As a noun, flare is a bright, sudden light or flame, often used as a signal or warning. As a verb, it means to suddenly burn with a bright light or to suddenly increase in intensity, like anger or pain. It can describe both physical light and emotional or physical reactions.
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See It in Action
A bright, sudden light or flame used as a signal or warning
- •The ship sent up a flare to call for help.
- •We saw a flare in the sky during the night.
- •The firefighter used a flare to mark the safe path.
To suddenly burn or shine brightly
- •The fire flared up when the wind blew.
- •His temper flared during the argument.
- •The pain in her leg flared after the exercise.
A sudden increase or burst of emotion or activity
- •Tensions flared between the two teams.
- •The old wound flared again after the fall.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "flare" like "light" (A1 word), but much faster and brighter for a short time.
- ✓Picture a small fire suddenly growing bright and visible in the dark sky, like a signal.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone suddenly gets very angry or excited, like a quick burst of fire inside.
- ✓Sounds like "flare" → imagine a bright flash of light that "flares" up like a flame quickly opening wide.
- ✓Think of a flare gun in movies that sends a bright light into the sky to call for help.
- ✓NOT like "glow" (soft steady light), flare is sudden and strong.
- ✓NOT like "burn" (can be slow), flare is quick and sudden.
- ✓NOT like "anger" (a feeling), flare means the anger grows quickly and suddenly.
Try Other Words
- •Flash: a sudden, quick light (Use when the light is very brief and fast)
- •Blaze: a strong, bright fire or light (Use when the light or fire is very big and strong)
- •Burst: a sudden increase or explosion (Use when describing sudden strong feelings or actions)
- •Ignite: to start burning (Use when talking about starting fire or emotions)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "flare" (single root word)
- •Etymology: From Old Norse "flara" meaning to blaze or burn with a bright flame
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe sudden bright flames or light signals
- •Modern usage: Used for bright signals, sudden flames, and quick increases in emotions or pain
- •Key insight: Always something sudden, bright, or strong that appears quickly and often does not last long
Reflect & Connect
•Can a flare be a good thing or a bad thing? When might it help or cause problems?
•How do you react when your emotions flare suddenly? Can you control it or not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The rescue team saw the flare ___ in the dark sky to signal danger.
2.His anger flared ___ when someone criticized his work.
3.Unlike a steady light, a flare appears ___ and disappears quickly.
4.When the old injury flared, she felt ___ pain again.
5.The fireworks flared ___ and lit up the night.
6.Tensions between the players flared ___ after the referee's decision.
7.The flare was used ___ to guide the lost hikers safely back.