aflame

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement; - Bram Stoker
  2. adjective lighted up by or as by fire or flame

Etymology

The adverb is derived from Late Middle English a-flame, from a- (prefix meaning ‘on’ forming adverbial phrases; or denoting being engaged in or occupied by an activity) + flame, flaume, flawme (“flame”). Flame, flawme is derived from Anglo-Norman flaumbe, flaume, and Old French flame, flambe, from Latin flamma, probably ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to blaze, burn (?); bright flame, fire (?)”). By surface analysis, a- (prefix meaning ‘at; in; on’ denoting a condition, manner, or state) + flame (noun). The adjective is derived from the adverb, which is attested earlier.

In classic literature

Synonyms

ablaze, aroused

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