spark

spark

---

Pronunciation

/spɑːk/

• spɑː: The "sp" is a consonant cluster, followed by the vowel sound "ɑː" as in "car".

• k: The final sound is the voiceless velar stop "k".

---

Word Form Variations

• spark (singular noun, verb)

• sparks (plural noun, third person singular present tense verb)

• sparking (present participle verb)

• sparked (past tense verb, past participle verb)

---

---

Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Definition 1: A small, incandescent particle thrown off from a burning substance or produced by friction.

• Synonyms: ember, flicker, flash

• Antonyms: (There isn't a direct antonym for a spark in this sense)

• Definition 2: A sudden, brief burst of something, such as energy, emotion, or activity.

• Synonyms: glimmer, trace, hint, impulse

• Antonyms: dullness, apathy, inactivity

Verb

• Definition 1: To emit sparks of fire or electricity.

• Synonyms: ignite, kindle, trigger

• Antonyms: extinguish, quench, stifle

• Definition 2: To cause something to start or develop, often suddenly.

• Synonyms: initiate, prompt, stimulate, incite

• Antonyms: prevent, suppress, hinder, deter

While "spark" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "spark plug"), it's primarily used as a noun or verb. There isn't a common adverbial form of "spark".

---

Examples of Use

Books:

• "The spark that ignited the revolution was a single act of defiance." This metaphorical use of "spark" to represent the catalyst for a major event is common in historical and fictional narratives. (Example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)

• "A spark of hope flickered in her eyes as she read the letter." This illustrates the use of "spark" to denote a small amount of an emotion or feeling. (Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

Newspapers:

• "The controversial decision sparked protests across the country." News articles frequently use "spark" to describe the cause of a reaction or event. (Example: The New York Times)

• "Police are investigating what sparked the fire that destroyed the historic building." This demonstrates the literal use of "spark" in relation to fire. (Example: Los Angeles Times)

Online Publications:

• "This new technology could spark a revolution in renewable energy." Online articles often use "spark" to convey the potential for significant change or innovation. (Example: Wired)

• "A spark of creativity is all it takes to transform an ordinary idea into something extraordinary." Blogs and inspirational websites use "spark" metaphorically to encourage action and innovation. (Example: Entrepreneur.com)

Entertainment:

• Movie title: "Spark" (2016 animated film)

• Song lyric: "You light a spark in my soul" (Example: "Sparks" by Coldplay)

• Video game: "Spark the Electric Jester" (Platforming video game)

General Public Discourse:

• "That comment sparked a heated debate on social media." This is a common expression used to describe the initiation of a discussion or argument.

• "We need to spark more interest in STEM education among young people." This illustrates the use of "spark" in the context of generating enthusiasm or motivation.

---

---

10 Famous Quotes Using Spark

1. "Do not go gentle into that good night but rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right... because their words had forked no lightning they do not go gentle into that good night — their spark still burning." — Dylan Thomas (paraphrased to emphasize “spark”)

2. "There is a spark of divinity in every human soul." — Mahatma Gandhi

3. "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled — a spark to ignite learning." — Plutarch

4. "A tiny spark can start a great fire." — Dante Alighieri

5. "Hope is the spark that lights the fire of change." — Barack Obama (paraphrased from campaign speeches)

6. "You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world." — Oprah Winfrey

7. "Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind. There's no other definition — just a spark that must be acted upon." — F. Scott Fitzgerald (paraphrased from his commentary on creativity)

8. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will — a lack of spark." — Vince Lombardi (paraphrased)

9. "Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life. One spark." — Jackie Chan

10. "The spark divine dwells in thee: let it grow." — Ella Wheeler Wilcox
    

---

Etymology

Imagine a cozy campfire. You see those tiny bits of fire that fly off the wood? Those are sparks! The word "spark" comes from a really old English word, "spearca," which meant exactly that – a fiery little particle.

This word has been around for a long time! We know people were using "spark" way back in the year 900. It's like a family tree:

• Great-grandparent: "Spearca" in Old English (before 1150)

• Grandparent: "Sparke" in Middle English (around 1150-1470)

• Parent: "Spark" in Early Modern English (around 1470-1800)

• Child: The "spark" we use today!

At first, "spark" mostly meant that little bit of fire. But over time, people started using it for other things too. They noticed that a tiny spark could cause a big fire, so they began using "spark" to talk about anything that starts something bigger, like an idea that starts a revolution or a feeling that starts a romance.

So, the next time you hear "spark," think of that little piece of fire. It can mean a tiny flame, a sudden feeling, or the start of something new and exciting!

---

---

Phrases + Idioms Containing Spark

Here are some examples:

• "A bright spark" - This refers to an intelligent or lively person. It's fairly common in British English.

• "The vital spark" - This refers to the essence of life or something that gives it energy. It's somewhat old-fashioned.

• "There's no spark" - Used to describe a relationship or situation lacking excitement or passion.

Lesser-Known/Original Phrases:

• "Fanning the sparks" - To encourage or intensify a feeling or conflict.

• "Sparks fly" - When there's strong disagreement or attraction between people. (This is close to an idiom)

• "A spark of defiance" - A small act of resistance or rebellion.

Idioms with Synonyms:

• "Light a fire under someone" - To motivate or inspire someone to take action (similar to "sparking" action).

• "Strike a chord" - To resonate with someone emotionally or intellectually (like a "spark" of connection).

• "Plant the seed" - To introduce an idea or inspire a thought (akin to "sparking" an idea).

---

Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

---

Source Information

Definition of spark from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

---