Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Being on fire; burning: The word "afire" describes something that is actively burning or in flames.
   • Filled with intense emotion or excitement: "Afire" can also describe a state of being intensely aroused by a strong feeling, such as passion, desire, or enthusiasm.

Usage

• "Afire" is used as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb like "be," "set," or "leave."
• It describes a state or condition, either literal (physical fire) or figurative (emotional intensity).

Examples

• Literal meaning (burning):
  • The dry grass was set afire by the spark.
  • Firefighters arrived to find the barn already afire.
• Figurative meaning (filled with emotion):
  • Her heart was afire with hope for the future.
  • The activist's speech left the crowd afire with indignation.

Advanced Usage

• "to set afire": to ignite something; to cause something to burn. Often used figuratively to mean to inspire intense feeling.
  • The revelation set afire rumors throughout the town.
• "to be afire with": to be intensely consumed by a particular emotion or desire.
  • The artist was afire with creative energy.

Variants and Related Words

• Aflame (adj): Synonymous with "afire," meaning on fire or glowing with emotion or color.
• Ablaze (adj): Burning fiercely; also used figuratively for intense emotion or brilliant light.
• Alight (adj, often ): Literally, on fire; more commonly, shining or bright with expression (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Burning: Consumed by fire.
• Blazing: Burning with a strong, bright flame.
• Flaming: Emitting flames; on fire.
• Fervent: Having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• Hearts afire: A phrase describing people who are filled with passionate emotion.
  • The revolutionary message left their hearts afire.
• Set the world afire: To achieve extraordinary success or cause a major sensation.
  • The young inventor hoped to set the world afire with his new device.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most concrete meaning of "afire" is the state of burning.
• Its figurative use relies on the metaphor of fire representing passion, zeal, anger, or inspiration. The emotion is so strong it is likened to a physical fire within a person.

Adjective

1. lighted up by or as by fire or flame
   • forests set ablaze (or afire) by lightning
   • even the car's tires were aflame
   • a night aflare with fireworks
   • candles alight on the tables
   • houses on fire