Ignite

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Ignite

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb

Pronunciation

ig-NITE  /ɪɡˈnaɪt/

Definition

To catch fire or cause to catch fire; to set something alight; figuratively, to arouse, stimulate, or cause something to begin with sudden intensity.

Plain meaning

Ignite means to set on fire or to catch fire. You ignite a candle, a bonfire, or an engine. Figuratively, to ignite a debate means to start it suddenly and with energy; to ignite someone's passion means to arouse it strongly. The word is more formal and dramatic than simply light or start.

Register

Neutral to slightly formal. Ignite is more literary and dramatic than light or start. In journalism, to ignite is a favourite verb for sudden, intense beginnings: the comment that ignited controversy; the match that ignited the conflict; the discovery that ignited a revolution in thinking.