fuel
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a substance like wood, coal, gas, or oil that people burn to get heat or power.
n.a substance consumed to provide energy through combustion, chemical, or nuclear reaction.
Simple“The car ran out of fuel on the way to the airport.”
In context“The government is investing heavily in hydrogen as a sustainable fuel to power heavy industry and long-distance transport.”
Synonymspropellantenergy source - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that makes a feeling or a situation stronger or more active.
n.something that stimulates, maintains, or encourages an action or emotion.
Simple“The latest news added fuel to the argument between the two neighbors.”
In context“The leaked documents provided further fuel for the public's growing distrust of the administration's environmental policies.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to supply a vehicle or machine with the energy it needs to work.
v.to provide a machine, vehicle, or system with a source of energy.
Simple“The plane was being fueled while the passengers waited at the gate.”
In context“The facility is fueled entirely by renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines located on the roof.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make a bad situation, a feeling, or a rumor grow or become more intense.
v.to exacerbate or cause a feeling or situation to become more intense or widespread.
Simple“His angry comments only fueled the tension in the room.”
In context“The lack of official information from the company only served to fuel speculation about its impending bankruptcy.”
Synonyms
Usage fuel prices · fuel industry
From Middle English fuayle, from Old French fouaille, feuaille (“firewood, kindling”), from feu (“fire”), from Late Latin focus (“fire”), from Latin focus (“hearth”), whence English focus. Cognate with Spanish fuego (“fire”), and Portuguese fogo (“fire”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.