Kindle vs. Spark — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Kindle means to ignite or inspire, while Spark is a small fiery particle or initial ignition source.
Difference Between Kindle and Spark
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Kindle commonly refers to the act of starting a fire or igniting something, while a Spark is often the initial particle or catalyst that triggers the ignition.
When we use Kindle in a figurative sense, it suggests arousing emotions, ideas, or responses, whereas Spark can denote a glimpse or a hint of something yet to come.
In terms of digital technology, Kindle is also the name of a popular e-reader device developed by Amazon, while Spark doesn't have such a specific technological reference.
Literature often uses the word Kindle to indicate the nurturing or growth of feelings or passions, while Spark might represent the very beginning or inception of these feelings.
In general usage, to Kindle something means to cause it to start and grow, be it a fire or an emotion. In contrast, a Spark is more about the momentary existence or the initial trigger, especially when discussing the origin of fires or ideas.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To ignite or inspire
A small fiery particle or ignition
Figurative Usage
Arouse emotions or ideas
Initial glimpse or hint
Technological Ref.
E-reader device by Amazon
No specific reference
Literary Context
Nurturing of feelings
Beginning of feelings or ideas
Overall Implication
Growth or beginning and growth
Momentary existence or initial trigger
Compare with Definitions
Kindle
To start a fire by igniting material.
They used dry leaves to kindle the campfire.
Spark
The inception or catalyst of an idea or emotion.
His innovative thoughts were the spark for the entire project.
Kindle
To inspire or arouse emotions.
His words kindled hope in their hearts.
Spark
A trace or hint of a quality or feeling.
There was a spark of mischief in her eyes.
Kindle
To illuminate or light up.
The sunrise kindled the horizon with shades of orange.
Spark
To ignite or set off.
His comment sparked a heated debate.
Kindle
To stir up or provoke.
Such actions could kindle anger among the masses.
Spark
An energetic or lively person.
The new intern was a real spark, infusing energy into the team.
Kindle
To build or fuel (a fire).
Spark
A small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by striking together two hard surfaces such as stone or metal
A log fire was sending sparks on to the rug
Angry sparks were flashing in her eyes
Kindle
To set fire to; ignite.
Spark
A small amount of a quality or intense feeling
A tiny spark of anger flared within her
Kindle
To cause to glow; light up
The sunset kindled the skies.
Spark
Used as a nickname for a radio operator or an electrician, especially in the armed forces
I know a Sparks so I'll get him to look over it
Kindle
To arouse (an emotion, for example)
"No spark had yet kindled in him an intellectual passion" (George Eliot).
Spark
A lively young man.
Kindle
To catch fire; burst into flame.
Spark
Emit sparks of fire or electricity
The ignition sparks as soon as the gas is turned on
Kindle
To become bright; glow.
Spark
Ignite
The explosion sparked a fire
Kindle
To become inflamed.
Spark
Engage in courtship
He went a sparking among the rosy country girls
Kindle
To be stirred up; rise.
Spark
One thrown off from a burning substance.
Kindle
To give birth to young. Used especially of rabbits.
Spark
One resulting from friction.
Kindle
A brood or litter, especially of kittens.
Spark
One remaining in an otherwise extinguished fire; an ember.
Kindle
(transitive) To start (a fire) or light (a torch, a match, coals, etc.).
Spark
A glistening particle, as of metal.
Kindle
To arouse or inspire (a passion, etc).
He kindled an enthusiasm for the project in his fellow workers.
Spark
A flash of light, especially a flash produced by electric discharge.
Kindle
To begin to grow or take hold.
Spark
A short pulse or flow of electric current.
Kindle
To bring forth young; to give birth.
Spark
A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ
The spark of genius.
Kindle
A group of kittens.
A kindle of kittens.
Spark
A vital, animating, or activating factor
The spark of revolution.
Kindle
(of an animal) pregnant
Spark
Sparks (used with a sing. verb) Informal A radio operator aboard a ship.
Kindle
To bring forth young.
The poor beast had but lately kindled.
Spark
The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material.
Kindle
To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to ignite; to cause to begin burning; to start; to light; as, to kindle a match, or shavings.
His breath kindleth coals.
Spark
The discharge itself.
Kindle
Fig.: To inflame, as the passions; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action; to heat; to fire; to animate; to incite; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to kindle the flame of love, or love into a flame.
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither.
Kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam.
Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.
Spark
An elegantly dressed, highly self-conscious young man.
Kindle
To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame.
When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Spark
A male suitor; a beau.
Kindle
To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated.
On all occasions where forbearance might be called for, the Briton kindles, and the Christian gives way.
Spark
To give off sparks.
Kindle
Catch fire;
The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles
Spark
To operate correctly. Used of the ignition system of an internal-combustion engine.
Kindle
Cause to start burning;
The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds
Spark
To set in motion; activate
The incident sparked a controversy.
Kindle
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Spark
To rouse to action; spur
A cheering crowd sparked the runner to triumph.
Kindle
An e-reader device developed by Amazon.
She bought a new Kindle Paperwhite to read her favorite novels.
Spark
To court or woo.
Spark
To court a woman or women.
Spark
A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
Spark
A short or small burst of electrical discharge.
Spark
A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
Spark
(figuratively) A small amount of something, such as an idea or romantic affection, that has the potential to become something greater, just as a spark can start a fire.
Spark
Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the Indomalayan genus Sinthusa.
Spark
(in plural sparks but treated as a singular) A ship's radio operator.
Spark
An electrician.
Spark
A gallant; a foppish young man.
Spark
A beau, lover.
Spark
To trigger, kindle into activity (an argument, etc).
Spark
(transitive) To light; to kindle.
Spark
To shoot; to fire
Spark
(intransitive) To give off a spark or sparks.
Spark
To woo, court; to act the gallant or beau.
Spark
A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion.
Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Spark
A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
Spark
That which, like a spark, may be kindled into a flame, or into action; a feeble germ; an elementary principle.
We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge.
Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark.
Spark
A brisk, showy, gay man.
The finest sparks and cleanest beaux.
Spark
A lover; a gallant; a beau.
Spark
To sparkle.
Spark
To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at the commutator when revolving under the collecting brushes.
Spark
To play the spark, beau, or lover.
A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within.
Spark
A momentary flash of light
Spark
Brightness and animation of countenance;
He had a sparkle in his eye
Spark
Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
Spark
A small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger;
A spark of interest
A spark of decency
Spark
Scottish writer of satirical novels (born in 1918)
Spark
A small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction
Spark
Put in motion or move to act;
Trigger a reaction
Actuate the circuits
Spark
Emit or produce sparks;
A high tension wire, brought down by a storm, can continue to spark
Spark
A tiny glowing particle, often resulting from burning.
The spark from the firework landed on the dry grass.
Common Curiosities
Can Spark also mean the beginning of something?
Yes, Spark can denote the inception or catalyst of an idea or emotion.
What is a Spark in the context of fire?
A Spark is a tiny glowing particle, often the initial ignition source for a fire.
Is Kindle also a device?
Yes, Kindle is a popular e-reader device developed by Amazon.
Can a person be described as a Spark?
Yes, a lively or energetic person can be described as a "spark."
What's the difference between kindling hope and a spark of hope?
Kindling hope implies arousing or growing hope, while a spark of hope is a small, initial sign of hope.
In what context can Spark denote a hint or trace?
When referring to a quality, emotion, or feeling, like a "spark of joy."
What does Kindle primarily mean?
Kindle primarily means to ignite or start a fire.
What's the difference between kindling a fire and sparking a fire?
Kindling a fire is the act of starting and nurturing it, while sparking a fire is about the initial ignition.
Is the word Spark related to any technological product like Kindle?
Not specifically like Kindle, but "Spark" can be used in various technological contexts.
How are Kindle and Spark used figuratively?
Kindle is used to signify arousing emotions or ideas, while Spark can indicate a hint or beginning of something.
Which word is more about sustained growth, Kindle or Spark?
Kindle is more about sustained growth or nurturing, while Spark is about the initial trigger.
What can be kindled apart from fire?
Emotions, ideas, and responses can also be kindled.
Can Kindle also mean to provoke?
Yes, to kindle can also mean to stir up or provoke.
Can a debate be sparked?
Yes, a debate can be sparked by a comment or event, meaning it can be ignited or initiated by it.
Are Kindle and Spark verbs?
Yes, both can be used as verbs. Kindle means to ignite, and Spark can mean to set off.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
