“Flammable,” “inflammable,” and “nonflammable” are terms related to the ability of a material to catch fire. Despite common misconceptions, “flammable” and “inflammable” are synonyms, both meaning capable of burning easily. “Nonflammable,” on the other hand, means not easily ignited or not capable of burning. This lesson will define each word and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Flammable
Definition:
“Flammable” means capable of being easily ignited and burning quickly.
Examples of use:
Never light a match near a flammable liquid.
The warning label indicates that the contents are highly flammable.
Store flammable materials in a safe place away from heat sources.
Inflammable
Definition:
“Inflammable” is a synonym of “flammable,” also meaning capable of burning easily.
Examples of use:
Never light a match near an inflammable liquid.
The warehouse stores several inflammable substances.
Inflammable fabrics should be handled with care to avoid fire hazards.
Nonflammable
Definition:
“Nonflammable” means not easily ignited and not capable of burning.
Examples of use:
Trichlorofluoromethane is a colorless, nonflammable gas.
The building materials used are nonflammable to enhance fire safety.
Always use nonflammable containers for storing hazardous chemicals.
“Flammable” and “inflammable” both refer to substances that can easily catch fire, while “nonflammable” refers to substances that do not burn easily. Understanding these terms is crucial for safety and effective communication, especially when dealing with materials that pose fire hazards. By practicing their usage, you can ensure clarity and precision in discussing fire safety and related topics.
