afire means on fire (often metaphorically). It carries an Arena rating of 1582, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, afire ranks #6,354 of 17,127 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #7,102 of 17,142 for Most Ingenious Words, #8,023 of 17,143 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words, #8,579 of 17,163 for Funniest Words.
afire is pronounced /əˈfaɪɚ/.
Why “afire” is a great word
Burning, either in literal flame or in a state of ardent passion or excitement. From Middle English afire (13th century), equivalent to the prefix a- ("on") + fire. Unlike "ablaze" (which suggests a spectacular, devouring conflagration) or "inflamed" (which denotes a localized, often pathological heat), "afire" is a quieter, more encompassing burn. It is a single candlewick caught by the match, a blush spreading across cheeks at a remembered glance, or a mind seized by an idea that will not let it rest—the precise moment potential becomes kinetic heat, the modest, persistent burning that precedes either extinction or conflagration.
Etymology
13ᵗʰc., from Middle English afire, equivalent to a- (“on”) + fire. Figurative usage from late 14ᵗʰc.
adj
- On fire (often metaphorically).
adv
- On fire (often metaphorically).
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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