Word: rages (verb, 3rd person singular of "rage")

Associations

The word "rages" means to show very strong, often angry, feelings or to happen with great intensity. It can describe a person being very angry or something like a storm or fire happening fiercely.

• He rages when people don’t listen to him. (Shows strong anger)
• The storm rages outside, shaking the windows. (Shows something happening strongly)
• The debate rages on about the best movie of the year. (Shows something continuing with strong feelings)

Synonym: "fumes" can also mean to be angry, but "fumes" usually means quiet anger inside, while "rages" means loud or strong anger or activity.

Substitution

Instead of "rages," you can use:

• "fumes" (for quiet anger)
• "storms" (for strong, noisy action)
• "erupts" (for sudden strong action or emotion)
• "flares up" (for anger or conflict that starts suddenly)

Each option changes the feeling a little. For example, "fumes" is less loud than "rages."

Deconstruction

The root word is "rage," which means very strong anger or violent action. The "s" at the end shows it is third person singular present tense (he, she, it rages). "Rage" comes from Old French "rage," from Latin "rabies," meaning madness or fury.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone you know rages? How did it feel?
• What natural events can you say "rages"? Why do you think we use this word for those?
• How would you describe the difference between someone who "rages" and someone who "fumes" with anger?