afire
/ə'faiə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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