enkindle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'enkindle' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to set aflame or to inspire enthusiasm or excitement. Example: The actor's passionate speech about the cause enkindled the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mary, writhing in ecstatic laughter, vividly realizes Schiller's ambition to draw an unsentimental portrait of a woman whose destiny is "to experience and enkindle only violent passions".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

(There is an old line that Tintoretto invented the movies; his ways of enkindling routine scenarios, with thrilling visual rhythms that seem to unfurl in time, endorse it).

The New Yorker

But as Mr. Cowell returns to Fox and American television on Wednesday night with a stateside version of his British hit "The X Factor," could it be that he has been more extinguished than enkindled since his departure from "Idol" last season?

The New York Times - Arts

Ah, here's something: "Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great".

The New York Times - Arts

Heath backed down and announced £35m of investment in Upper Clyde shipbuilding, which in turn enkindled another £65m in grants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pindar said that in education, the mind should be enkindled.

The New York Times

To follow McIlroy in the early afternoon as he played the back nine of the course at Dove Mountain was to feel the same dizzying rush of promise that Woods enkindled during his climb to golf's summit.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enkindle" when you want to convey a sense of deeply stirring or igniting something, such as a passion or idea. Its slightly archaic tone can add emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "enkindle" too frequently, as its somewhat dated feel can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for more common synonyms like "ignite" or "spark" in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The verb "enkindle" functions to describe the act of igniting a feeling or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. The examples show it being used to express the act of stirring up strong emotions or passions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "enkindle" is a verb that means to ignite or arouse, often used in a figurative sense to describe the stirring of emotions or passions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though somewhat rare in modern usage. The provided examples, primarily from news sources, demonstrate its capacity to add emphasis and a touch of formality. While synonyms such as "ignite" or "arouse" may be more common, "enkindle" offers a distinct nuance when a deeper or more profound impact is intended. It is essential to use the word judiciously, considering its relatively archaic feel, to avoid sounding unnatural in contemporary writing. Ultimately, the proper use of "enkindle" can enhance the eloquence of your writing, provided it aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindle

This is a direct synonym, but it carries a slightly different connotation and level of usage.

ignite

This word is a more common synonym that implies setting something on fire, both literally and figuratively.

arouse

This term focuses specifically on stirring up emotions or feelings.

spark

This suggests a sudden and brief burst of activity or interest.

animate

This suggests bringing something to life or making it more lively.

stir up

Implies bringing something that was dormant to the surface and making it active.

inflame

This suggests intensifying something, often to a point of excess.

foment

This suggests instigating something, often something negative or troublesome.

trigger

This suggests setting off a chain reaction or initiating a process.

activate

This focuses on making something operational or functional.

FAQs

How do you use "enkindle" in a sentence?

"Enkindle" is a verb that means to ignite or inspire. For example, "The speaker's words enkindled a passion for justice in the audience."

What is a synonym for "enkindle"?

Synonyms for "enkindle" include "ignite", "arouse", "stir up", and "spark".

Is "enkindle" a commonly used word?

While grammatically correct, "enkindle" is not as commonly used as its synonyms. It carries a slightly more formal or archaic tone.

What's the difference between "enkindle" and "ignite"?

Both words mean to set something on fire or to inspire. "Enkindle" is less common and can sound more literary or old-fashioned than the more common "ignite".