fire
Meaning: Flames and heat from burning; to dismiss from a job; to shoot a weapon
The word 'fire' has multiple meanings. As a noun, it refers to flames and heat produced by burning. As a verb, it means to shoot a weapon, to dismiss someone from employment (informal), or to stimulate enthusiasm (fire up). Common phrases include 'on fire' (burning, or performing exceptionally), 'fire drill', and 'fire away' (go ahead and ask).
Examples
- The fire spread quickly through the building. 火势迅速蔓延到整栋建筑。El fuego se extendió rápidamente por el edificio.火災は建物中に急速に広がりました。화재가 건물 전체로 빠르게 번졌습니다.
- He was fired for poor performance. 他因表现不佳被解雇了。Fue despedido por su bajo rendimiento.彼は業績不振で解雇されました。그는 실적 부진으로 해고되었습니다.
- The soldiers were ordered to fire. 士兵们被命令开火。Los soldados recibieron la orden de disparar.兵士たちは発砲を命じられました。병사들은 발포 명령을 받았습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'fȳr', from Proto-Germanic '*fūr', ultimately from the same root as Greek 'pyr' (which gives us 'pyre' and 'pyrotechnics'). One of the most ancient words in English.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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