torch
B1Neutral to informal (for verb meaning 'to set fire to').
Definition
Meaning
A portable light source, typically consisting of a stick with a flammable material at one end that is ignited, or a battery-powered electric light.
Something that provides illumination, guidance, or inspiration; also, to deliberately set fire to a building or property.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary noun meaning differs between British and American English. The verb meaning 'to set fire to' is informal and often implies arson.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'torch' primarily means a battery-powered handheld light (flashlight in AmE). In American English, 'torch' primarily means a stick with a flaming end. The verb 'to torch' (set fire to) is used in both.
Connotations
In BrE, 'torch' is a neutral, everyday object. In AmE, the flaming 'torch' can carry connotations of ceremony (Olympic torch), protest, or primitive light.
Frequency
The word is high-frequency in BrE for the electric light. In AmE, 'flashlight' is far more common for that object, making 'torch' less frequent in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
torch + [object] (verb)carry/hold/shine + a torchthe torch of + [abstract noun, e.g., freedom, knowledge]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “carry a torch for someone (to have romantic feelings)”
- “pass the torch (to hand over responsibility)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'She passed the torch of leadership to her successor.'
Academic
Metaphorical: 'He is a torch of knowledge in his field.' Historical/Archaeological: 'They used reed torches for illumination.'
Everyday
Very common in BrE: 'I need a torch to look in the cellar.' Common in AmE for specific contexts: 'We used a torch to see the path.'
Technical
In welding: 'oxy-acetylene torch'. In electronics: referring to a flashlight component.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Vandals torched the abandoned warehouse last night.
- The protesters threatened to torch the vehicles.
American English
- The mob torched the building after the verdict.
- Arsonists torched three empty homes in the neighbourhood.
adverb
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard). 'Torch-lit' is possible: 'a torch-lit procession'.
- N/A
American English
- N/A (not standard). 'Torch-bearing' is possible: 'torch-bearing demonstrators'.
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a torch in my bag.
- The torch is very bright.
- He shone the torch on the map.
- Can you pass me the torch? The power is out.
- We used a torch to explore the dark cave.
- The Olympic torch travels around the world.
- The burglars torched the car to destroy evidence.
- She has carried a torch for him since university.
- He took up the torch of environmental activism.
- The investigation revealed that the disgruntled employee had torched the archives.
- The novel portrays the protagonist as a lone torch of rationality in an age of superstition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the OLYMPIC TORCH runner carrying a light. The word TORCH has 'OR' in the middle, like the core (OR) of the flame.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/IDEAS ARE LIGHT ('a torch of enlightenment', 'torch of liberty'). DESTRUCTION IS FIRE ('to torch a building').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the BrE 'torch' (flashlight) as 'факел' (a flaming torch). The correct equivalent for the electric device is 'фонарик'.
- The idiom 'carry a torch for someone' is not about light, but unrequited love ('тайно влюблён').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'torch' to mean 'flashlight' in American English contexts.
- Using the verb 'to torch' in formal writing.
- Confusing 'pass the torch' with 'carry a torch'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'torch' in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun for a light source, it is neutral. The verb meaning 'to set on fire' is informal and often associated with crime reports.
British people would typically call a flaming stick a 'torch' as well, but it's a less common object in modern life. The context (e.g., 'Olympic torch') makes it clear.
Yes, the verb 'to torch' meaning to deliberately set fire to something is used in both varieties with the same meaning and register.
'Pass the torch' is about transferring a role or responsibility. 'Carry a torch' is an idiom meaning to have enduring, often unrequited, feelings of love for someone.