kindle
/ˈkɪndl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɪndl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkin-dᵊl/ (ame, mw)
kindle — verb
- kindlepresent simple I / you / we / they
- kindleshe / she / it
- kindledpast simple
- kindling-ing form
1. To set fire to something that burns easily, such as paper, dry leaves, or strips
To set fire to something that burns easily, such as paper, dry leaves, or strips of wood, in order to start a fire.
Sofia used dry leaves and small twigs to kindle a campfire before sunset.
kindle + campfire / small fire
The hikers gathered pine needles and bark to kindle a fire for the cold night.
With trembling hands, Grandpa kindled the flame in the old fireplace using a single match.
The rain soaked the logs so badly that Dmitri could not kindle a flame.
Samira kindled the grill fire using newspaper and charcoal while guests waited on the patio.
- light
more general and everyday; used for cigarettes, candles, stoves, and fires
- ignite
more technical or formal; often used for engines or scientific contexts
- set fire to
emphasises the destructive or deliberate act of burning something
- extinguish
to put out a fire or flame
- douse
to pour water on a fire to stop it burning
文法句型
kindle + noun phrase (the material to burn)
用法筆記
The object is usually the fire itself (kindle a fire) or the material burned (kindle charcoal). Frequently used in contexts of outdoor survival, camping, or old-fashioned hearths.
常見錯誤
2. To cause a strong feeling, interest, or desire to begin growing in someone — for
To cause a strong feeling, interest, or desire to begin growing in someone — for example, kindling curiosity in a student, anger in a crowd, or a passion for music.
The teacher's vivid stories about ancient Egypt kindled a deep curiosity in her young students.
kindle + [emotion] + in + [person]
Ahmed's photos of the Andes kindled in Olga a wish to travel across South America.
The documentary on plastic pollution kindled public anger toward the waste industry.
A single conversation with the old violinist kindled Nalini's lifelong passion for classical music.
The novel kindled in Wei a fascination with Japanese gardens that lasted throughout his career.
文法句型
kindle + [emotion/interest] + in + [someone]
用法筆記
The object of the verb is the emotion or desire, not the person. Common objects: curiosity, interest, passion, anger, desire, hope. Frequently used in literary or formal contexts rather than casual speech.
常見錯誤
3. To begin to burn after being near a flame, spark, or source of heat; to catch fi
To begin to burn after being near a flame, spark, or source of heat; to catch fire.
The dry grass kindled instantly when the campers dropped a burning twig into it.
intransitive use: [subject] + kindles + adverb of time
After several attempts, the damp firewood finally kindled and the cabin filled with warmth.
The old curtains kindled within seconds after brushing against the flame of the candle.
Sofia struck the match again and again, but the wet kindling refused to kindle.
Scraps of newspaper in the bin kindled after Wei tossed in a still-smoking cigarette butt.
- catch fire
more common in everyday speech; the phrasal equivalent
- ignite
more formal or technical; used for engines and chemicals too
文法句型
[something] + kindles
用法筆記
This intransitive sense is less common than the transitive sense in modern English. The subject is the material that burns. Often used with time adverbs like 'finally', 'instantly', 'within seconds' or with 'refuse to' to express difficulty.