Word
ignite
Phoneticsig·nite, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪɡˈnaɪt/
UK/ɪɡnˈaɪt/
Definitions
01to set on fire
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make something start burning.
v. to set fire to something or to cause a substance to begin the process of combustion. Transitive in this use.
“The spark from the campfire was enough to ignite the dry grass.”
“The fuel-air mixture must be compressed significantly before the spark plug can effectively ignite it within the cylinder.”
Antonyms
02to start burning
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to catch fire and begin to burn.
v. to catch fire or begin to undergo combustion. Intransitive in this use.
“Gasoline can ignite easily if it is near a hot engine.”
“Materials stored in the warehouse were so unstable that they could ignite spontaneously if the temperature rose above thirty degrees.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to heat strongly
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
v. to heat a substance to a very high temperature without burning it.
v. to subject a substance to intense heat, typically in a laboratory setting to remove volatile parts. Used for non-flammable materials.
“The chemist had to ignite the sample in a crucible to find its dry weight.”
“After the precipitate was filtered, it was necessary to ignite the residue at 800 degrees Celsius to ensure all organic matter was removed.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb can be used both transitively (to ignite something) and intransitively (something ignites).
Real-World Examples
“However, data show that roads actually tend to increase the risk of fires igniting.” “The play’s star hopes international interest in Japanese theatre will also ignite a new energy back home.” Etymology
From Latin ignītus, past participle of igniō, ignire (“to set on fire, ignite”), from Latin ignis (“fire”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁n̥gʷnis, and thus related to Sanskrit अग्नि (agní), Lithuanian ugnis, and Russian ого́нь (ogónʹ).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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