kindle
Translation
to kindle, to light, to arouse, to inspire
Examples
He kindled a fire with dry sticks.
He kindled a fire with dry sticks.
The speech kindled hope in the audience.
The speech kindled hope in the audience.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to light (sth.) on fire He kindled a fire with dry sticks.
((sth.)) ((in sb.)) to arouse (a feeling) in (sb.) The speech kindled hope in the audience.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ignite, light, arouse; Antonyms: extinguish, quell
Etymology
From Old Norse 'kynda', meaning 'to set fire to'. It is related to the word 'candle'.
Memory Tips
Think of how small pieces of wood (kindling) are used to start a large fire. The verb 'kindle' can start a literal fire or a feeling.