Kindle vs. Spark: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Kindle means to ignite or arouse an emotion, while Spark is a small fiery particle or initial catalyst.
Key Differences
Kindle primarily conveys the act of starting a fire or igniting something. The term often extends beyond just the literal meaning of igniting flames to also encompass the arousal of emotions or ideas. Spark, in contrast, generally refers to a small, glowing fragment typically thrown off from a fire, but it can also signify the initial catalyst or inspiration for an action or event.
While you might use Kindle to describe the action of setting logs aflame in a fireplace, Spark would more appropriately describe the tiny bits of fiery particle produced in the process. Beyond the literal, if someone's passion for a subject is ignited, it might be said their interest was "kindled," whereas the initial idea or event that led to this might be referred to as the "spark."
Kindle can be seen as a verb, indicating the process of initiating or causing. For instance, a teacher might kindle a love for reading in a student. Spark, on the other hand, often acts as the precursor or the initial cause. A single book or quote might serve as the spark for that newfound love for reading.
In technology terms, Kindle is notably recognized as the name of Amazon's e-reader device. It's a tool that allows users to read digital books, furthering the metaphor of kindling a love for reading. Spark, in a technological context, can relate to the name of tools or platforms but doesn't have such a widely recognized singular association like Kindle.
In essence, while both words, Kindle and Spark, revolve around the idea of starting or initiating something, Kindle is more about the action or process, and Spark denotes the initial cause or tiny ignition point.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To ignite or arouse.
A small fiery particle or initial catalyst.
Use
Often a verb (action).
Usually a noun (thing or event).
Context
Both literal (fire) and metaphorical (emotions, ideas).
Primarily literal but can be metaphorical.
Associations
Associated with Amazon's e-reader.
No widely recognized singular technological association
Origin
Old Norse "kynda" meaning to kindle.
Middle English "spark" meaning a small fiery particle.
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Kindle and Spark Definitions
Kindle
To become inflamed or red.
His cheeks kindled with embarrassment.
Spark
A tiny glowing particle.
The spark from the fire landed on the carpet.
Kindle
To cause to light up; illuminate.
The morning sun kindled the horizon.
Spark
An initial catalyst or inspiration.
Her comment was the spark for a heated debate.
Kindle
To arouse or inspire an emotion or reaction.
The speech kindled hope in the audience.
Spark
A trace or hint.
There's a spark of mischief in his eyes.
Kindle
The brand name for Amazon's e-reader.
I bought the latest Kindle Paperwhite for my reading.
Spark
One thrown off from a burning substance.
Kindle
To build or fuel (a fire).
Spark
One resulting from friction.
Kindle
To set fire to; ignite.
Spark
One remaining in an otherwise extinguished fire; an ember.
Kindle
To cause to glow; light up
The sunset kindled the skies.
Spark
A glistening particle, as of metal.
Kindle
To arouse (an emotion, for example)
"No spark had yet kindled in him an intellectual passion" (George Eliot).
Spark
A flash of light, especially a flash produced by electric discharge.
Kindle
To catch fire; burst into flame.
Spark
A short pulse or flow of electric current.
Kindle
To become bright; glow.
Spark
A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ
The spark of genius.
Kindle
To become inflamed.
Spark
A vital, animating, or activating factor
The spark of revolution.
Kindle
To be stirred up; rise.
Spark
Sparks (used with a sing. verb) Informal A radio operator aboard a ship.
Kindle
To give birth to young. Used especially of rabbits.
Spark
The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material.
Kindle
A brood or litter, especially of kittens.
Spark
The discharge itself.
Kindle
(transitive) To start (a fire) or light (a torch, a match, coals, etc.).
Spark
An elegantly dressed, highly self-conscious young man.
Kindle
To arouse or inspire (a passion, etc).
He kindled an enthusiasm for the project in his fellow workers.
Spark
A male suitor; a beau.
Kindle
To begin to grow or take hold.
Spark
To give off sparks.
Kindle
To bring forth young; to give birth.
Spark
To operate correctly. Used of the ignition system of an internal-combustion engine.
Kindle
A group of kittens.
A kindle of kittens.
Spark
To set in motion; activate
The incident sparked a controversy.
Kindle
(of an animal) pregnant
Spark
To rouse to action; spur
A cheering crowd sparked the runner to triumph.
Kindle
To bring forth young.
The poor beast had but lately kindled.
Spark
To court or woo.
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
To court a woman or women.
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
A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
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 short or small burst of electrical discharge.
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
A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
Kindle
Catch fire;
The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles
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.
Kindle
Cause to start burning;
The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds
Spark
Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the Indomalayan genus Sinthusa.
Kindle
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Spark
(in plural sparks but treated as a singular) A ship's radio operator.
Kindle
To ignite or start a fire.
He used dry leaves to kindle the campfire.
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
To initiate or set off.
The controversy sparked a lot of discussions.
Spark
Electrical discharge.
The old socket can produce a dangerous spark.
FAQs
Is Spark always related to fire?
No, it can also mean an initial cause or inspiration.
What does Kindle mean?
Kindle means to ignite, arouse, or inspire.
Does Kindle have any technological associations?
Yes, Kindle is Amazon's e-reader device.
How is Spark defined?
Spark refers to a small fiery particle or an initial catalyst.
Can Kindle be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can denote arousing emotions or ideas.
Can Spark be used as a verb?
Yes, as in "the controversy sparked a debate."
Is there a connection between Kindle and reading?
Yes, metaphorically kindling a love for reading, and literally as Amazon's e-reader.
Do any tools or platforms use the name Spark?
Yes, but it doesn't have a singular widespread association like Kindle.
Can Spark indicate something minimal?
Yes, as in "a spark of hope" or "a spark of mischief."
Which word is often used as a verb?
Kindle is often used as a verb.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
