mindmap root((点燃)) light is likely to imply an action for a specific end, such as illuminating, heating, or smoking: ~ a fire in the stove. kindle may connote difficulty in setting combustible materials alight and is appropriate when special preparations are needed: we ~d the bonfire just after dark; or may connote an exciting, arousing, or stimulating: a look that ~d a responsive spark. ignite like kindle, stresses successful lighting but is more likely to apply to highly flammable materials: ~ a firecracker; or it may imply a stirring into activity: a love of learning ~d by her first-grade teacher. fire suggests blazing and rapid combustion and is usually used with respect to something that ignites readily and burns fiercely: ~ a haystack; or may imply an inspiring, as with passion, zeal, or desire, to energetic activity: an imagination ~d with a thousand new ideas.