Word: Flare

Pronunciation

/flɛr/

Definitions

• Noun:

  • A sudden intense burst of bright light, often from a flame or explosion. For example: “A distress signal was sent by igniting a bright red flare.”
  • A style of clothing that widens or flares out from the waist or hips, such as a pair of bell-bottom pants. Example: “She wore flared jeans that were fashionable in the ’70s.”
  • In medicine, it can refer to a sudden worsening of symptoms, typically seen in conditions like arthritis. Example: “His joint pain flared up suddenly.”

• Verb:

  • (intransitive) To burst out with a sudden bright light. Example: “The fireworks flared spectacularly in the night sky.”
  • (transitive) To cause something to burst into flames or emit a sudden bright light. Example: “The pilot flared the aircraft’s landing lights to signal his position.”
  • (of fabric or garments) To widen gradually from a narrow point. Example: “The skirt flares gracefully at the hemline.”

• Adjective:

  • Describing something that spreads out or widens abruptly, especially referring to clothing. Example: “The dress had a flared skirt.”

Phrases

• “Flare up”: To suddenly become more severe or intense, often referring to a medical condition or an argument.
• “Solar flare”: An intense burst of radiation emitted by the sun, usually associated with sunspots.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “A warning flare illuminated the dark waters to alert passing ships.”
• Verb: “The match flared, casting flickering shadows across his face.”
• Adjective: “Her flared sleeves added a dramatic touch to the outfit.”

Synonyms

• Blaze
• Burst
• Radiance (for the noun meaning light)
• Widen
• Spread (for the verb when referring to widening)
• Bell-bottom (for the noun referring to a type of pants)
• Flaring (as an adjective form)