Meaning
Often preceded by set: in or into flames; so as to be burned by fire.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂en-der. Proto-Germanic *an Proto-West Germanic *ana Old English on Middle English a- Proto-Indo-European *bʰel-der. Proto-Italic *flagmā Latin flamma Old French flame Anglo-Norman flaumebor. Middle English flawme Middle English a-flame English aflame 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.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles: