Spanish Conversation · Level 63
76 words
Spanish word
incendiar
Pronunciation
IPA/inθenˈdjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbset on fire
Example
La policía cree que alguien incendió el edificio anoche.
The police believe that someone set the building on fire last night.
More examples
Durante la huelga intentaron incendiar un local.
During the strike they tried to set a shop on fire.
Core concept
A building engulfed in large flames and thick smoke.
Common phrases
incendiar un edificio
set a building on fire
incendiar una vivienda
set a house on fire
incendiar un local
set a shop on fire
Similar words
quemar: Burns an object with fire, consuming material and producing smoke or ash.
prender fuego: Sets something alight so it begins to burn and the flames take hold.
encender: Lights a flame or switches on a lamp or appliance to produce light or heat.
arder: Burns or smolders continuously, producing visible flames, heat, or smoke.
Definition in Spanish
Significa provocar que algo se prenda en fuego y se consuma, generalmente de forma violenta o intencional.
Word origin
From Latin incendĕre (medieval incendiare), formed from in- 'in, into' plus candēre 'to glow or burn', giving the sense of causing to catch fire.
Usage tips
- Unlike encender, which commonly means to switch on or light a small flame, incendiar implies making something burn violently or intentionally and is often used for arson or large fires.