The word "ignite" is spelled with the letters i-g-n-i-t-e. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ɪɡˈnaɪt/. The first sound, /ɪ/, is a short "i" sound like in the word "it". The next sound, /ɡ/, is a hard "g" sound like in the word "golf". The third sound, /naɪ/, is a diphthong made up of the sounds "n" and "igh". Finally, the last sound, /t/, is a voiceless "t" sound. Together, these sounds make up the spelling of the word "ignite".
Ignite is a verb that refers to the act of causing a fire or starting a combustion process. It involves setting something alight or causing it to begin burning. The word can also carry a metaphorical meaning, conveying the idea of initiating or sparking something, such as an emotion, an action, or a movement.
In a literal sense, ignite entails applying heat, a spark, or another source of ignition to ignite combustible material and cause it to catch fire. This process usually involves the rapid oxidation of a fuel source, resulting in the release of heat, light, and often flames. Therefore, to ignite something can involve lighting a match, striking a flint, or using a lighter, for example, to start a fire.
In a broader sense, ignite can be used figuratively to describe the initiation or triggering of something intangible. For instance, it can refer to igniting passion or excitement, implying the beginning of an intense emotional state. Additionally, it may describe the initiation of an idea, a movement, or a revolution. In this context, ignite signifies the act of sparking or catalyzing, setting off a chain of events or actions.
To summarize, ignite primarily refers to the action of causing a fire or combustion. However, it can also be used metaphorically to denote the initiation or sparking of something, whether it's physical or abstract.
To kindle; to render red or luminous by heat; to take fire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word ignite originated from the Latin word ignitus, which is the past participle of ignire, meaning to set on fire. It entered into Middle English through the Old French word igniter in the 15th century, which meant to set alight.