What is the difference between flammable and inflammable?
Flammable and inflammable are two words that cause confusion. You can tell both words pertain to flames, but it's difficult to know whether they mean the same thing or are opposites.
Flammable and inflammable mean exactly the same thing: a substance burns easily or readily catches fire.
Actually, the in- in inflammable was derived from the Latin preposition meaning en- (like enflamed), not the Latin prefix meaning -un. It's not like everyone knew the derivation of the word, so the change probably made sense. However, confusion persists today regarding which word to use.
Flammable is the preferred modern term for a material that catches fire readily. Inflammable means the same thing. If a material won't burn easily, you could say it is not flammable or nonflammable. I don't think unflammable is a word (and really anything can burn if you try hard enough, right?).
Examples of flammable materials include wood, kerosene, and alcohol.
Examples of nonflammable materials include helium, glass, and steel. While it may surprise you, another example of a nonflammable substance is O2.
Flammable and inflammable are two words that cause confusion. You can tell both words pertain to flames, but it's difficult to know whether they mean the same thing or are opposites.
Flammable and inflammable mean exactly the same thing: a substance burns easily or readily catches fire.
Actually, the in- in inflammable was derived from the Latin preposition meaning en- (like enflamed), not the Latin prefix meaning -un. It's not like everyone knew the derivation of the word, so the change probably made sense. However, confusion persists today regarding which word to use.
Flammable is the preferred modern term for a material that catches fire readily. Inflammable means the same thing. If a material won't burn easily, you could say it is not flammable or nonflammable. I don't think unflammable is a word (and really anything can burn if you try hard enough, right?).
Examples of flammable materials include wood, kerosene, and alcohol.
Examples of nonflammable materials include helium, glass, and steel. While it may surprise you, another example of a nonflammable substance is O2.
