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Glite Dictionary
to give a light

to give a light

4 3.2
To offer a flame to start a cigarette or candle
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɡɪv ə laɪt/
translation icon : dar fuego
  • Jack, give Billy a light.

Examples

Synonyms

to light
vsto give a light
905 1.0

To make something start to burn or shine

offers someone a flame specifically to ignite cigarettes or candles
to ignite
vsto give a light
66 4.0

To make something start burning

provides a small hand-held flame rather than causing large fires
to strike a light
vsto give a light
1 7.0

To make a flame with a match or lighter

offers someone a flame rather than producing it oneself
to enkindle
vsto give a light
  • Archaic
9.1

To make something start to burn, like a fire or a strong feeling

supplies an actual flame for small items rather than a figurative spark

Antonyms

to extinguish
23 4.4

Stop a fire, candle, or other light from burning

to snuff out
6 4.7

Stop a flame, candle, or small fire from burning

How Effective

to ignite
66 4.0
to give a light
4 3.2
to spark
26 2.8

Surface Forms

give a light infinitive
gave a light past
given a light past participle
giving a light present participle
gives a light third person singular

Morphology

give + a + light

The meaning is directly built from 'give' (to provide) plus 'a light' (a small flame or ignition), so a learner who knows those words can infer 'to provide a flame/ignition' without prior exposure. This construction is common and parallels equivalent phrases in many languages, making it immediately comprehensible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Give a light comes from the simple image of one person holding a match or lighter to give another person a light for a cigarette or candle, so it means 'to provide a flame'.