Flame
/fleɪm/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe visible, luminous part of a fire.
/fleɪm/
A visible, glowing mass of burning gas.
The flame flickered in the fireplace.
💡 Simply: Imagine a campfire: the flame is that orange and yellow stuff that's hot and makes light. It's the burning part you see!
👶 For kids: The part of the fire that glows and makes light.
More Examples
The chef carefully adjusted the flame on the stove.
The flames of the wildfire were visible for miles.
How It's Used
"The flame from the candle danced in the breeze."
"The dragon's breath was a torrent of searing flames."
A strong feeling of love, anger, or enthusiasm.
/fleɪm/
Intense emotion or passion, especially love.
The flame of their love never died.
💡 Simply: Think about how strongly you might feel about someone you love, or a very fun hobby. That powerful feeling is like a flame, burning brightly!
👶 For kids: A really strong feeling, like when you REALLY love someone.
More Examples
The political debate stirred a flame of controversy.
She felt a flame of excitement as she started her new job.
How It's Used
"Their love was a passionate flame that burned brightly."
"His words ignited a flame of anger within her."
To burn or be on fire; to emit or be characterized by flames.
/fleɪm/
To burn with a flame.
The bonfire flamed into the night.
💡 Simply: If something is 'flaming,' that means it's burning with flames or looks like it has fire.
👶 For kids: To burn and have flames.
More Examples
The artist flamed the metal to create a unique texture.
His cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
How It's Used
"The candles flamed brightly."
"His eyes flamed with anger."
To post abusive or insulting messages online.
/fleɪm/
To express oneself passionately, often online.
The user was flamed for his insensitive comments.
💡 Simply: When people 'flame' someone online, it means they are being really mean and insulting to them in comments or messages.
👶 For kids: To be mean to someone online.
More Examples
Be careful not to flame other people in the comments section.
He decided to ignore the trolls who were flaming him.
How It's Used
"He got flamed by other users after posting his controversial opinion."
"Trolls often flame other users online."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
catch fire
To start burning.
"The dry leaves caught fire quickly."
fan the flames
To make a situation worse, typically by making existing anger, hatred, or conflict more intense.
"His inflammatory comments only served to fan the flames of the debate."
a flame of
An intense feeling (such as love, hate, etc.)
"A flame of love burned in her heart."
From Old English *flāma* ('flame, fire') and related to words in other Germanic languages.
The word 'flame' has been used since Old English, initially to describe the physical phenomenon of fire. Over time, it took on figurative meanings, such as passion or strong emotion.
Memory tip
Think of the bright, dancing light and heat of a fire.
Word Origin
"fire, blaze"