sparks
|sparks|
🇺🇸
/spɑrks/
🇬🇧
/spɑːks/
(spark)
ignite or stimulate
Etymology
'spark' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'spearca', where 'spearca' meant 'spark' or 'small burning particle'.
'spark' changed from the Old English word 'spearca' to Middle English 'sparke' and eventually became the modern English word 'spark'.
Initially, it meant 'a small burning particle', and over time it has retained that core meaning while also extending metaphorically to refer to brief flashes (electrical) and small signs of feeling or stimulus (e.g., 'a spark of hope').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small, glowing particle thrown off from a fire, a hot object, or by striking metal; tiny burning fragment.
Sparks flew from the campfire into the night air.
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Noun 2
a brief flash of light produced by an electrical discharge.
Sparks from the exposed wire caused alarm.
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Noun 3
a small sign or trace of a feeling, quality, or idea (often used in plural).
There are sparks of hope in the new results.
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Noun 4
informal: an energetic or lively person (often used in plural to describe lively people).
The guests at the party were all sparks, keeping the evening lively.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'spark': to cause to start or trigger (an event, feeling, or process).
The announcement sparks immediate debate among members.
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Last updated: 2025/12/25 14:09