Flammable vs Inflammable: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The words flammable and inflammable both mean 'capable of catching fire'; inflammable does not mean 'fireproof'.
Memory Tip: flammable = fire risk, inflammable = fire risk too
flammable /ˈflæməbl/
adjectiveEasily capable of catching fire and burning quickly.
Example:
The laboratory strictly prohibits the use of flammable materials in experiments unless comprehensive safety measures are in place, as these substances can ignite easily under certain conditions.
Common patterns:
flammable material
flammable liquid
flammable gas
inflammable /ɪnˈflæməbl̩/
adjectiveEasily set on fire and capable of burning quickly.
Example:
The laboratory's policy mandates that all inflammable substances, which can ignite easily even without an open flame, must be stored in specialized containers to prevent accidental fires.
Common patterns:
inflammable material
inflammable liquid
inflammable substance
Common Mistakes
The clothing label says it's inflammable, so it's safe near the fire.
The clothing label says it's flammable, so it's safe near the fire.
Flammable means it can catch fire easily, so it is not safe near the fire.
We need to store these chemicals in an inflammable cabinet.
We need to store these chemicals in a flammable cabinet.
Inflammable means the chemicals can catch fire, so they need safe storage.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The laboratory strictly prohibits the use of ____ materials in experiments unless comprehensive safety measures are in place, as these substances can ignite easily under certain conditions.
2. The laboratory's policy mandates that all ____ substances, which can ignite easily even without an open flame, must be stored in specialized containers to prevent accidental fires.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse flammable / inflammable again
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