Enflame

2002-12-22 04:07:00

Jennifer writes:
I looked the website with the Song in different languages and was surprised to see the English version had been altered to include the word 'inflamed' instead of 'enflamed'. I know there was some discussion but I wasn't aware of the outcome, and I am hoping that does not reflect the final decision.

To inflame a person is to fire a person with anger. To inflame a situation is to make it worse. Inflammation is a word to describe an infected wound which is red and sore and angry. I am sure it is not the kind of 'fire' that you are wanting to convey, JJ, and it feels completely wrong to me to say it in this otherwise beautiful Song.

On the other hand, 'enflame' to me has the sense of starting or encouraging a spark or fire to burn more brightly and strongly. It conveys the warmth of love, not the heat and destruction of anger.

The dictionary may say otherwise but that is the common usage where I am from.

I'm not sure why I feel so strongly about this but it has been on my mind for quite some time and will not go away so I thought I'd best put it in writing.

Wishing you a Christmas full of wonder and Joy.

JJ Response:
The original word was "enflame." Then someone pointed out to me that such a word does not exist and I figured it was just not spelled correctly so I changed it to "inflame."

BUT

Later I checked out a bigger dictionary and found out that "enflame" is a word, so have decided to let it stand as is. I also think "enflame" has a better feel to it.

Therefore let me suggest to all those who post the song in English use "enflame."

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold, but so does a hard-boiled egg. --Unknown