Langimage
English

fire

|fire|

A2

🇺🇸

/faɪr/

🇬🇧

/faɪə/

burning

Etymology
Etymology Information

'fire' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fyr', where 'fyr' meant 'fire'.

Historical Evolution

'fyr' changed from Old English to the modern English word 'fire'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a burning mass of material', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke.

The fire in the fireplace kept us warm.

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Antonyms

Verb 1

to discharge a gun or other weapon in order to shoot a projectile.

The soldier was ordered to fire at the target.

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Verb 2

to dismiss an employee from a job.

The company had to fire several employees due to budget cuts.

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Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35