Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɛmbər/ (American English)

/ˈɛmbə/ (British English)

Definitions

• A small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire.
• A fading but lingering feeling, emotion, or memory.
• A remnant of a past event, often with an implication of warmth or intensity.

Usage Examples

• "The last ember of the campfire flickered and died."
• "She held onto the embers of their past love."
• "The embers of revolution still burned in their hearts."

Etymology

Derived from Old English ‘ǣmyrge’ meaning ‘burning coal,’ related to Old Norse ‘eimyrja.’

Synonyms

• Coal
• Cinder
• Glowing ash
• Remnant
• Residue

Antonyms

• Flame
• Ice
• Extinguishment

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some dialects, the final ‘r’ is pronounced more softly, such as /ˈɛmbə/ in British English.

Historical Usage

The term has been used since Old English times to describe glowing remains of fire, often metaphorically in literature.

Cultural Nuances

Embers symbolize the remnants of passion, warmth, or past events in poetry and storytelling.

More Information

Embers have been historically important in fire preservation, cooking, and blacksmithing, as they provide a sustained heat source.