What is campfire? Pronunciation and usage in English

campfire means . Learn how to pronounce and use campfire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of campfire

campfirenoun

/ˈkampfʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of campfire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "campfire." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

  • cam - pronounced like "cam" in "camp" (rhymes with "ham")
  • fire - pronounced like "fire" (as in, "firewood")
  • -p - This is the tricky part! The "p" is silent.

So, the whole word is pronounced: "cam-fire"

Here's a more detailed breakdown and some tips:

  1. Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("cam").

  2. Silent "p": This is the most important thing to get right. Don't say "p" after "cam." It's completely dropped.

  3. Sound of "fire": Make sure you pronounce "fire" clearly as in the word "firewood".

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word campfire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "campfire" in English. It's a pretty evocative word with a specific meaning, but it can be used in a few different ways.

1. The Literal Meaning: A Fire for Camping

  • Definition: Primarily, "campfire" refers to a fire built outdoors, typically for warmth, cooking, or light, especially during camping or outdoor activities.
  • Examples:
    • “We sat around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories.”
    • "The smell of wood smoke filled the air as we built a campfire."
    • "They gathered branches to start a campfire for the night."
    • "The rangers warned us to keep the campfire contained."

2. Figurative Meanings (More Abstract)

"Campfire" can also be used metaphorically to describe a gathering or event where people come together to share stories, ideas, and build camaraderie. This is where it gets a bit more colorful.

  • A gathering of people: Think of it like a cozy, informal meeting.

    • "The book club held their meeting around the campfire – literally, a fire, but figuratively, a warm and engaging discussion."
    • "The team celebrated their victory with a campfire chat about the game."
    • "It was like a campfire of ideas, with everyone contributing their thoughts."

  • A nostalgic or romantic setting: It often implies a feeling of warmth, comfort, and shared memories.

    • "The old photographs evoked memories of long summer evenings spent by the campfire."
    • "There's something magical about a campfire – it instantly creates a sense of community."

3. Grammar & Usage Notes

  • Noun: "Campfire" is almost always a noun.
  • Plural: The plural is "campfires." (e.g., "We built two campfires.")
  • Prepositions: You'll often use it with prepositions like "around," "by," "at," or "near."

Tips for Using It Effectively

  • Context is key: Consider the overall tone and situation. Is it a literal description of a fire, or a figurative representation of a gathering?
  • Evoke imagery: The word “campfire” is strongly associated with warmth, light, and a sense of togetherness. Use it to create that image in your writing or speech.

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Synonyms for the word campfire

Practice with vocabulary campfire

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We roasted marshmallows over the ______________ as the stars began to appear.
  2. The team leader gave clear instructions for setting up the ______________ safely.
  3. The hikers used a portable gas ______________ to cook their meals efficiently.
  4. Despite the cold, the strong ______________ prevented us from lighting a fire.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following activities are commonly associated with a "campfire"? a) Roasting hotdogs b) Telling ghost stories c) Watching a movie indoors d) Brewing coffee
  2. What essential items might you need to build and maintain a safe "campfire"? a) Matches or a lighter b) Dry firewood c) A fire extinguisher d) A fishing rod
  3. Which statement accurately describes a "campfire"? a) It's primarily used for industrial heating. b) It's a small, open-air fire typically used by campers. c) It refers to the central heating system of a building. d) It's always accompanied by fireworks.
  4. What might you use to contain a small fire for cooking outdoors, other than a full "campfire"? a) Grill b) Stove c) Fire pit d) Chimney
  5. Which word refers to the glowing, hot remains of a fire, often without a flame? a) Blaze b) Embers c) Sparks d) Flames

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hikers enjoyed telling stories while sitting near the crackling blaze. Rewrite the sentence using "campfire".
  2. Learning to build a safe outdoor fire is an essential skill for wilderness survival. Rewrite the sentence using "campfire".
  3. The park ranger emphasized the importance of dousing the dying flames completely before leaving the site. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "dying flames" with a suitable alternative word.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. campfire
  2. campfire
  3. stove
  4. wind

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Roasting hotdogs, b) Telling ghost stories, d) Brewing coffee
  2. a) Matches or a lighter, b) Dry firewood, c) A fire extinguisher
  3. b) It's a small, open-air fire typically used by campers.
  4. a) Grill, b) Stove, c) Fire pit
  5. b) Embers

Exercise 3:

  1. The hikers enjoyed telling stories while sitting near the crackling campfire.
  2. Learning to build a safe campfire is an essential skill for wilderness survival.
  3. The park ranger emphasized the importance of dousing the embers completely before leaving the site.

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