flame
B1Neutral to informal (in computing context)
Definition
Meaning
A hot, glowing body of ignited gas that is produced by something on fire.
A strong passion, anger, or romantic interest; also used in computing to refer to an angry or insulting message.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to both the visible part of fire and metaphorical 'heat' of emotion. As a verb, it can mean to burn with flames, to shine brightly, or to send angry messages online.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The computing sense ('flame war') originated in US internet culture but is now universal.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. 'Old flame' (former romantic partner) is equally common.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties for literal and metaphorical uses.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[flame] + [adverb: brightly, fiercely][verb: burst, catch] + into + [flame][adjective: eternal, naked] + [flame][flame] + [verb: spread, die down]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fan the flames”
- “add fuel to the flame”
- “go up in flames”
- “old flame”
- “flame of passion”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare except in 'flame war' (negative online exchanges) or 'flame retardant' (safety specifications).
Academic
Used in literature (metaphorical passion), history (eternal flames), science (combustion).
Everyday
Common for describing fire, cooking (flame grill), emotions, and former relationships.
Technical
In computing: 'flame' (hostile message), 'flame war'. In chemistry/physics: combustion processes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The logs flamed brightly in the hearth.
- His cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
- He got flamed on the forum for his controversial post.
American English
- The building flamed against the night sky.
- Her temper flamed suddenly.
- Don't flame other users in the comments section.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Flamingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Flamingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The flame-grilled burgers tasted delicious.
- She wore a flame-red dress to the party.
American English
- They installed flame-retardant curtains in the theater.
- The car was painted a bright flame orange.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The candle has a small flame.
- Be careful with fire flame!
- The flame is hot.
- The flames from the bonfire lit up the garden.
- He is my old flame from university.
- The paper caught flame quickly.
- The debate online turned into a nasty flame war.
- Her eyes flamed with anger at the accusation.
- They vowed to keep the eternal flame burning.
- The activist's speech fanned the flames of rebellion among the youth.
- The technician analysed the spectrum of the chemical's flame.
- His incendiary comments were designed purely to flame his opponents.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLAME = Fire Lights And Makes Energy. Remember it starts with 'fl' like 'flash', 'flare' - all related to sudden light/heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS HEAT/FIRE ('His anger flamed up'), LOVE IS FIRE ('flame of passion'), ARGUMENT IS FIRE ('flame war').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пламя' (only noun) - English 'flame' is also a verb.
- 'Old flame' means бывший возлюбленный, not 'старое пламя'.
- In computing, 'to flame' means грубо или оскорбительно писать в интернете.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flame' as countable for a single fire ('a flame' is one stream/tongue of fire, not the whole fire).
- Confusing 'flame' (visible gas) with 'fire' (the combustion event).
- Misspelling as 'flaim'.
- Using the verb without object incorrectly ('He flamed' needs context - online or literal?).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase refers to a past romantic partner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has strong metaphorical uses for passion, anger, and in computing for hostile messages.
Yes, meaning to burn with flames, to shine brightly, or to send angry messages online.
'Fire' is the general event/state of combustion. A 'flame' is the visible, glowing gas part of a fire. You can have a fire without visible flames (smouldering).
It can be, as it's an intensifier often used in insults. It's informal and potentially impolite.