set aflame
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) To ignite something; to cause something to begin burning. This action involves applying a source of fire or intense heat to an object or material, initiating combustion.
Usage
The verb "set aflame" is used with a direct object (the thing that is ignited). It describes the deliberate or accidental act of starting a fire on something. * The protestors set the flag aflame. * A stray spark from the campfire set the dry grass aflame.
Examples
- The arsonist was arrested for attempting to set the building aflame.
- The powerful explosion instantly set the surrounding vehicles aflame.
- Be careful with that lantern; you could set the whole barn aflame.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe igniting strong emotions, conflicts, or passions.
- His inflammatory speech set the crowd's anger aflame.
- The artist's early work set the art world aflame with controversy.
Variants and Related Words
- Set afire: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- They set the old documents afire.
- Set on fire: A more common phrasal verb with the same core meaning.
- The lightning set the tree on fire.
- Aflame (Adjective): Describes the state of being on fire or brightly lit.
- The torches left the courtyard aflame with light.
- Inflame (Verb): Primarily used in medical contexts (to cause bodily inflammation) or, more commonly, to provoke strong feelings.
- His comments served only to inflame the situation.
Synonyms
- Ignite
- Kindle
- Torch
- Combust
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Set fire to: The most standard and frequently used equivalent phrase.
- Vandals set fire to the abandoned shed.
- Set alight: Common in British English, equivalent to "set aflame" or "set on fire."
- He set the pile of leaves alight.
Related Idioms
- To set the world aflame: To achieve spectacular success or cause a major sensation.
- The young singer's debut album set the world aflame.
Verb
- set fire to; cause to start burning
- Lightening set fire to the forest