Word
spark
US/ˈspɑɹk/
UK/spˈɑːk/
Definitions
01a small bit of fire
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a tiny, glowing piece of fire or hot metal that flies off a larger fire.
n. a small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire, produced by combustion or friction.
日本語:火花※
“A spark from the campfire landed on his sleeve and burnt a tiny hole.”
“The welder wore a heavy leather apron to protect his clothing from the constant shower of sparks flying off the steel beam.”
Synonyms
02electricity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a short flash of electricity between two points.
n. a brief electrical discharge between two conductors.
“There was a blue spark when he plugged in the old toaster.”
“The technician noticed a faint spark jumping across the gap in the circuit, indicating a potential short in the wiring.”
03a small beginning
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small amount of a feeling or an idea that could grow into something much bigger.
n. a small amount of a quality or feeling that has the potential to develop into something more significant.
“There was a spark of hope in her eyes when she heard the news.”
“The initial spark of interest in the project eventually grew into a nationwide movement for environmental reform.”
04romantic attraction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a feeling of excitement or attraction between two people.
n. a sense of immediate romantic attraction or chemistry between two individuals.
“They went on a second date, but they both felt there was no spark between them.”
“Despite their similar backgrounds and shared interests, the two protagonists failed to feel any romantic spark during their first encounter.”
Synonyms
05an electrician
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Slang
n. a person whose job is to fit and repair electrical equipment.
n. a slang term for an electrician, commonly used in trade environments.
“We need to call a spark to look at the wiring in the new office.”
“The site manager spent the morning coordinating with the sparks to ensure the lighting was installed before the plasterers arrived.”
Synonyms
06to cause something
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to cause something to start suddenly, especially an argument or a new idea.
v. to trigger or initiate a sudden reaction, process, or event.
“The new law sparked protests across the city.”
“The CEO's controversial comments sparked a heated debate among shareholders regarding the company's future direction.”
Antonyms
07to produce sparks
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to give off small flashes of light or fire.
v. to emit sparks of fire or electricity.
“The old engine started to spark and smoke as he tried to turn it on.”
“The power lines began to spark violently as the storm winds pushed the branches against the high-voltage cables.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spark” in context.
Verb
01. extinguish the spark
“Years of repetitive administrative work eventually extinguished the spark of creativity she once possessed.”
verb + noun
02. ignite a spark
“The speaker's passionate words managed to ignite a spark of hope in the disillusioned crowd.”
verb + noun
03. provide the spark for the revolution
“The sudden increase in bread prices provided the spark for the revolution that followed.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Adjective
04. bright spark
“Some bright spark decided to leave the freezer door open all night, ruining all the food.”
adj + noun
05. creative spark
“He often takes long walks in the woods to rediscover his creative spark when he feels stuck.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. spark of genius
“The architect's design was conventional, but the bridge's lighting system showed a true spark of genius.”
noun + of + noun
07. spark of interest
“Although he was bored by the lecture, a spark of interest appeared when the professor mentioned quantum physics.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. without a spark of emotion
“The judge delivered the harsh sentence without a spark of emotion on his face.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Adelheid sees how certain disabilities spark particular interest from one of the key doctors, Dr A, who is intrigued by the children he calls his “little professors”.” “Hear from voters in Kingsport, home to a munitions plant supplying the US military, as tensions over the Iran war spark debate.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
01. bright spark
02. spark spread
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0