Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Set afire; lit; ignited: Describes something that has been set on fire or caused to burn. It refers to the state of combustion having been started.
   • Aroused or stirred emotionally: Describes feelings, passions, or interest that have been awakened or excited. (This meaning is closely related to the literal sense of "lighting a fire" within someone.)

Usage

• The adjective kindled is used to describe an object that is burning because a flame has been started.
• It is also used figuratively to describe emotions, enthusiasm, or ideas that have been awakened or stimulated.
• It often carries a sense of something being newly started or brought to life, whether a literal fire or a feeling.

Examples

• Literal:
  • We gathered around the kindled campfire to stay warm.
  • The kindled blaze quickly spread through the dry forest.
• Figurative:
  • Her inspiring speech kindled a hope in their hearts. (Note: Here "kindled" is the past tense verb form, demonstrating the action that leads to the adjective state).
  • A kindled interest in astronomy led him to buy a telescope.

Advanced Usage

• "Newly kindled": Emphasizes that the fire or emotion has been started very recently.
  • The newly kindled flame was still fragile.
• Used in literary or formal contexts to convey a strong sense of ignition or awakening.

Variants and Related Words

• Kindle (verb): To start a fire; to arouse or inspire (an emotion, interest).
  • He used dry leaves to kindle the fire.
  • The book kindled her imagination.
• Rekindled (adjective): Lit or ignited again; revived (an emotion, relationship).
  • They sat by the rekindled hearth.
  • A rekindled passion for painting.

Synonyms

• Ignited: Set on fire.
• Lit: Provided with light or set burning.
• Aflame: In flames; burning.
• Aroused (figurative): Stirred to action or feeling.
• Stimulated (figurative): Encouraged to activity or growth.

Antonyms

• Extinguished: Caused to stop burning.
• Quenched: Put out (a fire); suppressed (a feeling).
• Dampened (figurative): Made less strong or intense.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To kindle a flame/fire: To start a fire; to begin to create strong feelings.
  • Their debate kindled a fire of controversy.
• Kindling (noun): Small, dry pieces of wood used to start a fire.
  • He gathered kindling for the fireplace.

Adjective

1. set afire
   • the ignited paper
   • a kindled fire