What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cinder
Example
The cinders from the bonfire were still hot and glowing. [cinders: noun]
Example
She carefully brushed away the cinders from the fireplace. [cinders: plural noun]
ember
Example
He blew on the ember to reignite the fire. [ember: noun]
Example
The campfire was dying down, with only a few embers remaining. [embers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ember is more commonly used than cinder in everyday language. Ember is often associated with the image of a dying fire and has a more poetic or metaphorical connotation. On the other hand, cinder is less commonly used and has a more technical or specific usage related to the remains of a fire.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cinder and ember?
Both cinder and ember are relatively formal words, but ember may have a slightly more literary or artistic tone due to its metaphorical associations with fading warmth and light.