Part of Speech

Noun (plural)

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪndərz/

Definitions

• The small, partially burned remains of a fire, typically consisting of small pieces of charcoal or ash.
• Pieces of something that have been destroyed by fire or heat, often referring to objects, buildings, or materials.
• A term used metaphorically to describe something that is a remnant or leftover from a destructive process.

Usage Examples

• The cinders from the campfire were still smoldering in the early morning.
• After the fire, all that remained were cinders, the house reduced to nothing but dust and smoke.
• The path was covered in cinders after the building collapsed in the blaze.

Etymology

The word "cinders" comes from Middle English "synder," meaning "ash" or "charred remains," derived from Old French "cendre" (from Latin "cinis," meaning "ashes"). The term has been in use since the 14th century to describe the remnants of fire or heat.

Synonyms

• Ashes
• Charcoal
• Embers
• Scorched remains
• Residue

Antonyms

• Fresh
• Pristine
• Unburned
• Untouched

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In various English-speaking regions, the pronunciation of "cinders" remains consistent, but in some dialects, the final "s" sound might be softer or pronounced with a slight drawl, particularly in Southern American English.

Historical Usage

Historically, "cinders" referred to the remains of any fire, from household fires to large-scale industrial and urban fires. The term was frequently used in the industrial revolution, where coal and cinder was a byproduct of steel and other metalworking processes. In literature, "cinders" often symbolize decay, destruction, or the remains of a once-great thing.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, cinders can symbolize both destruction and renewal. In the ancient Greek myth of the phoenix, the bird is reborn from the ashes, a concept that ties in with the metaphorical use of cinders to represent the remnants of life and the potential for renewal. Cinders are also present in the cultural significance of fire rituals in many societies, where the remains are seen as sacred or spiritually potent.

More Information

The word "cinders" has evolved over time from simply referring to burned material to also carrying metaphorical meanings in literature and art. The imagery of fire and its remnants has inspired poets, artists, and philosophers to reflect on themes of destruction, change, and hope. Cinders symbolize the aftermath of something intense or catastrophic, yet they also hint at the possibility of new beginnings, as from the ashes, something new can rise.