Cool MateFire
UK /["/ˈfaɪə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈfaɪər/"]/
Definition
the flames, light and heat, and often smoke, that are produced when something burns
In simple words: A hot, burning flame that gives light and heat.
Examples
- The fire in the fireplace kept us warm during the winter.
- Please be careful not to touch the fire when roasting marshmallows.
- The firefighters worked hard to put out the fire in the building.
- He was fired from his job because he was often late.
- She felt the fire of passion when she danced on stage.
Usage notes
Use 'fire' when talking about flames or combustion. Avoid using it in very formal writing where 'combustion' might be more appropriate.
Grammar pattern
fire + object
Memory hint
Think of a campfire you enjoy with friends – 'fire' is the warmth and light we gather around.
Collocations
- big
- huge
- fierce
- be on
- catch
- cause
- occur
- break out
- erupt
- safety
- hazard
- risk
- bring a fire under control
- set fire to something
- big
- huge
- fierce
- be on
- catch
- cause
- occur
- break out
- erupt
- safety
- hazard
- risk
- bring a fire under control
- set fire to something
- blazing
- crackling
- hot
- build
- make
- kindle
- burn
- roar
- kindle
- the glow from a fire
- the glow of a fire
- electric
- gas
- light
- put on
- switch on
- be off
- be on
- heavy
- withering
- anti-aircraft
- burst
- open
- return
- exchange
- rain down
- hit somebody/something
- be in the line of fire
Synonyms
- flame
- blaze
- inferno
- conflagration
- campfire
Antonyms
- ice
- water
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'fire' with 'fired' (past tense of fire as in dismissing someone)
- Using 'fire' as a verb without an object (e.g. 'fire the gun' instead of just 'fire')
- Not using the article 'the' when necessary (e.g. 'the fire' instead of just 'fire')