incendiary
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪnˈsɛn.dɪ.ɛr.i/
KK: /ɪnˈsɛndɪˌɛri/
adjective
Definition
Causing or able to cause fire; likely to provoke strong feelings or conflict.
Example
The politician's incendiary remarks sparked a heated debate among the audience.
Conversation
Did you hear that the speech was quite incendiary?
Yeah, I read that it stirred up a lot of emotions.
It’s surprising how incendiary words can change the mood of a crowd.
Absolutely, they can really spark intense reactions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flammable
inflammatory
provocative
Antonyms
extinguishing
calm
soothing
noun
Definition
A person or thing that causes fires or incites conflict.
Example
The police arrested the incendiary for starting the fire in the abandoned building.
Conversation
Did you hear about that fire downtown last night?
Yeah, they think it was started by an incendiary device.
That's so dangerous! Who would do something like that?
Root Explanation
Incendiary is formed from "incendere" (meaning to set on fire) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning relating to or connected with). The word describes something that is related to or capable of causing fire or combustion.
Memory Tip
Think of 'setting on fire' ('incendere') to remember that 'incendiary' refers to something that can cause fire.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.