Flammable vs. Inflammable

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What´s the difference between "flammable" and "inflammable"?

Flammable vs. Inflammable

To quote "Strunk & White":

Flammable is an oddity, chiefly useful in saving lives. The common word meaning "combustible" is "inflammable." But some people are thrown off by the "in-" and think "inflammable" means "not combustible." For this reason, trucks carrying gasoline or explosives are marked "flammable." Unless you are operating such a truck and hence are concerned with the safety of children and illiterates, use "inflammable."

   

Comments

3/9/2007 9:42:49 AM
Frustrated with illiterates said:

Thank you Strunk & White; I wish others would use proper English.


9/17/2009 6:42:31 PM
Jack Baker said:

Abandon this advice, for the safety of future generations. The word inflammable must be driven to extinction.


10/15/2011 10:14:32 PM
Juan Ortoo said:

Please...you speak from ignorance. While flammable is a relatively recent derivation of inflammable, both are accepted.


12/5/2011 9:20:00 AM
marina said:

Is it not easier to say that flammable and inflammable is the same! Goodness! I spent quiet a time to comprehend your "explanation" with a dictionary. I should do it direct, without your site only confusing readers. Never will come back.




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