Definitions
- Describing a substance that can easily catch fire or ignite. - Referring to materials that are highly flammable and can cause fires or explosions. - Talking about substances that are dangerous when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames.
- Describing a substance that can easily catch fire or ignite. - Referring to materials that are highly combustible and can cause fires or explosions. - Talking about substances that are dangerous when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe substances that can easily catch fire or ignite.
- 2Both words refer to materials that are highly combustible and can cause fires or explosions.
- 3Both words indicate danger when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Inflammable and flammable have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. However, inflammable is less common and can be confusing because the prefix 'in-' usually means 'not', but in this case, it means 'easily ignited'.
- 2Connotation: Inflammable may be associated with a higher level of danger or urgency compared to flammable.
- 3Region: Inflammable is more commonly used in North America, while flammable is more common in British English.
Remember this!
Both inflammable and flammable describe substances that can easily catch fire or ignite, and they can be used interchangeably. The main difference between the two is their etymology and regional usage. Inflammable is less common and may be associated with a higher level of danger or urgency, while flammable is more widely used and recognized in British English.
