Flammable and inflammable look like opposites, but they both describe something that ignites easily and burns quickly. Inflammable arrived in English two centuries before flammable.

Flammable applies to combustible materials that ignite easily and thus are more dangerous and more highly regulated. Less easily ignited less-vigorously burning materials are combustible.

Attributes like "belonging-to" or "flammable," whose presence or absence cannot be judged simply by sensing, are not included in the set of perceptual attributes.

Usage: Flammable and inflammable are interchangeable when used of the properties of materials. Flammable is, however, often preferred for warning labels as there is less likelihood of …

Definition of flammable adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

In order for a substance to be flammable, it must be able to undergo this chemical reaction with oxygen. The ability of a substance to do so is determined by its chemical composition and properties, as well …

Apr 1, 2026 · Adjective flammable (comparative more flammable, superlative most flammable) Capable of burning.

Mar 4, 2026 · Flammable materials are any substances that can catch fire and burn when exposed to a heat source, spark, or open flame. They include liquids, solids, and gases, and they’re found …

FLAMMABLE definition: easily set on fire; combustible; inflammable. See examples of flammable used in a sentence.

The word, inflammable, which sounds like the opposite of flammable, actually means the same thing — easily catching on fire. If you want to say that something won't catch fire easily, use fireproof and …