Word: ignite

Associations

To ignite means to set something on fire or to cause something to start burning. It can also mean to start something, like an idea or emotion.

• You can ignite a fire with dry wood and kindling. This shows starting a physical flame.
• She ignited a passion for painting in her students. Here, it shows starting an emotional interest.
• The speech ignited the crowd's enthusiasm. This indicates starting strong feelings in a group of people.

Synonym: A common synonym for ignite is “light.” The key difference is that "ignite" often implies the start of something or a more intense beginning, while "light" refers simply to the action of making something visible or bright, which can be less intense.

Substitution

You can use other words or phrases in place of "ignite" depending on the context:

• "Start" can be used in contexts like "start a fire" or "start a project," but it might not carry the same intensity as "ignite."
• "Spark" can also replace "ignite," especially when referring to ideas or emotions, like "spark interest," but it often suggests a smaller or initial burst.

Deconstruction

The word "ignite" comes from the Latin root "ignire," which means "to set on fire." The prefix "ig-" indicates "to" and the suffix "-ite" is often used to form verbs or denote a process. In historical context, "ignite" has been used since the 17th century in English, mainly to refer to the act of setting on fire.

Inquiry

• What feelings or ideas can you think of that you might want to "ignite" in yourself or others?
• Can you recall a moment when something ignited your interest in a new hobby or subject? How did that change your perspective?
• How would you describe something that just “ignites?” What vocabulary could you use to convey that emotion or situation?