Fuel
/ˈfjuːəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power.
/ˈfjuːəl/
A material burned to create heat or power.
The plane needed to refuel before continuing its journey.
💡 Simply: Fuel is like food for a car or a fire. It gives them the energy to run! Imagine your tummy needing food to run and play, and a car needs fuel to go.
👶 For kids: Fuel is something that helps things move or work. Like, gas for a car or wood for a campfire!
More Examples
Renewable fuels like solar and wind energy are becoming more important.
The factory switched to a cheaper fuel source to cut costs.
How It's Used
"Gasoline is a common fuel for cars."
"Coal is a fossil fuel used to generate electricity."
To supply or feed (a fire or engine) with fuel; to encourage or strengthen (an emotion or situation).
/ˈfjuːəl/
To provide with fuel; to stimulate or encourage.
The government's new policies fueled economic growth.
💡 Simply: When you fuel something, you give it power, like putting gas in your car to make it go. It also means you help something grow or get stronger. For example, the story fueled her imagination, and she started writing.
👶 For kids: To fuel something means to give it what it needs to work or grow. Like, when you put gas in a car you are fueling it!
More Examples
The manager's positive attitude fueled the team's enthusiasm.
The conflict fueled the spread of misinformation.
How It's Used
"Increased investment fueled the company's growth."
"The scandal fueled public outrage."
Idioms & expressions
add fuel to the fire
To make a bad situation worse.
"His comments only added fuel to the fire."
fuel for thought
Something that causes you to think deeply about a subject.
"The documentary provided fuel for thought about environmental issues."
From Old French *fuaille*, related to *fouaille* ('feuillage', 'foliage'), and ultimately from Latin *focus* ('hearth, fireplace'). The meaning shifted over time to encompass the substance that feeds a fire or engine.
The word 'fuel' has evolved from its original association with fire to include any substance providing energy or support.
Memory tip
Think of gasoline or coal; they are burned to make energy.