What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deflagrate
Example
The gunpowder deflagrated when it was ignited. [deflagrated: past tense]
Example
The deflagration of the fuel caused the engine to malfunction. [deflagration: noun]
ignite
Example
He used a match to ignite the candles on the table. [ignite: verb]
Example
The spark from the lighter ignited the gas in the stove. [ignited: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ignite is a more common word than deflagrate in everyday language, and is used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deflagrate and ignite?
Deflagrate is a more formal and technical term than ignite, and is typically used in scientific or academic settings.
