enkindle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “enkindle” mean?
To set on fire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To set on fire; to light.
To arouse or inspire an emotion, passion, or idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a poetic, elevated, or archaic connotation in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary usage; mostly found in historical, religious, or literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “enkindle” in a Sentence
enkindle something (in somebody)enkindle something (within)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enkindle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His speech sought to enkindle a sense of national pride.
- The old verse could still enkindle wonder in the reader.
American English
- Her bravery enkindled a fire of resistance in the community.
- The teacher's goal was to enkindle a love of learning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in literary, historical, or philosophical discourse.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enkindle”
- Using in casual contexts where 'spark' or 'inspire' is more natural.
- Misspelling as 'inkindle' or 'enkindel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal, and literary word. 'Kindle' (its shorter form) or 'inspire'/'arouse' are far more common.
'Enkindle' is essentially a more formal, often poetic variant of 'kindle'. In modern English, 'kindle' is more frequent and somewhat less literary.
Yes, that is its original meaning, but this usage is now archaic. Contemporary usage is almost exclusively figurative.
It is a transitive verb; it requires a direct object (e.g., enkindle *passion*, enkindle *the flame*).
To set on fire.
Enkindle is usually formal, literary in register.
Enkindle: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈkɪnd(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈkɪnd(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To enkindle the flame of (e.g., hope, rebellion, love)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EN-KINDLE = To put INTO a KINDLE state (like a Kindle e-reader lighting up).
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONS/IDEAS ARE FIRE (e.g., "enkindle hope" conceptualises hope as a fire being lit).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'enkindle' in its most common modern usage?