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Inflammable for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ɪn'flæməbəl

What does Inflammable really mean?

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Student: Hey teacher, can you please explain to me what "inflammable" means? I've heard this word before, but I'm not quite sure about its exact meaning.

Teacher: Of course! "Inflammable" is a word used to describe substances or materials that can catch fire or easily burn. It basically means that something is highly flammable and can be set on fire quite easily. For example, gasoline, matches, and dry leaves are all inflammable because they can ignite quickly and cause a fire.

Now, I'll explain it to you using a metaphor. Imagine you have a piece of paper that has been dipped in oil. If you were to place this oily paper near a flame or spark, it would catch fire almost instantly. That means the paper is inflammable because it can easily catch fire. Similarly, substances labeled as inflammable are those that can ignite easily when exposed to a heat source or an open flame.

It's important to note that "inflammable" and "flammable" mean the same thing. Although it might sound strange, "in-" is a prefix that can sometimes mean the opposite of what it seems. So, "inflammable" doesn't mean "not flammable" as one would expect; instead, it means "extremely flammable." This word was created based on the Latin word "inflammare," which means to set on fire.

To clarify, imagine we have two substances, A and B. Substance A is inflammable, meaning that it can easily catch fire. On the other hand, substance B is non-inflammable, meaning it cannot easily catch fire. So, when we talk about inflammable substances, we're actually referring to things that are very likely to ignite and burn rapidly.

Student: Ah, I see! So "inflammable" means something can easily catch fire, right?

Teacher: Exactly! You've got it. It means a substance or material is highly flammable and can catch fire easily. It's important to be extra careful around inflammable substances to avoid any accidents or fires. Remember, safety should always come first!

Student: Thank you, teacher! Your explanation really helped me understand the meaning of "inflammable."

Teacher: You're very welcome! I'm glad I could help you understand. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any word, feel free to ask anytime. Learning is a journey we take together, and I'm here to support you every step of the way!

Revised and Fact checked by Emma Williams on 2023-10-29 03:34:55

Inflammable In a sentece

Learn how to use Inflammable inside a sentece

  • Be careful with that lighter, it's inflammable which means it can easily catch fire.
  • The old, dry leaves in the yard are inflammable, so we should keep them away from the bonfire.
  • Please do not smoke near the gasoline station, as the fumes are inflammable and can explode.
  • In the chemistry lab, we must be cautious with chemicals as some of them are highly inflammable.
  • It is important to store cleaning products properly, away from direct heat, as they can be inflammable.

Inflammable Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Inflammable Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.