Fire vs. Water: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
Fire refers to a state of combustion in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke, while water is a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for the life of
Key Differences
Fire is typically associated with heat, light, danger, and transformation. The presence of fire implies a dynamic state wherein a substance is actively burning and often consuming material to sustain itself. It represents a lively, destructive, and altering force that can provide warmth, or hazard if not controlled or managed properly. It’s an element that’s been vital for human evolution and daily operations, providing means for cooking, protecting, and more.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Water, in contrast, is often associated with life, calmness, necessity, and stability. Unlike fire, water is not consumptive in its natural state. It supports life, providing a medium for biological processes and sustaining ecosystems. While fire tends to alter or destroy what it contacts, water generally supports and sustains life, assisting in growth and maintaining life functions. Water has the power to shape the earth through erosion and provides a habitat for a myriad of organisms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Fire and water, being essential elements, also signify opposing natural forces. Where fire is hot, chaotic, and can consume matter, water is cool, typically calm, and supports life and matter. Fire’s relationship with life often revolves around utility and controlled use, while water’s relationship with life is typically one of fundamental necessity, acting as a crucial component of biological functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Symbolically, fire and water have been leveraged to denote various concepts in literature, religion, and culture. Fire is often seen as a purifier or a bringer of destruction, symbolizing both hazard and cleansing, whereas water tends to symbolize purity, life, and renewal, providing life and connecting ecosystems.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
In practical applications like in science, engineering, and daily life, fire and water have distinctive roles and are managed and respected for their unique properties and potentials. Fire is often utilized for its energy and transformative abilities, while water is utilized for its abilities to dissolve, transport, and sustain life and processes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Physical State
Combustive, emits light and heat.
Stable liquid, no emission of light or heat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Symbolic Association
Often associated with destruction and purification.
Commonly symbolizes life and purity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Interaction with Life
Utilized for heat and transformation.
Fundamental for life’s biological processes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Natural Occurrence
Occurs with specific conditions (heat, fuel, oxygen).
Ubiquitous, covering 71% of Earth’s surface.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Fire and Water Definitions
Fire
Combustion that emits light and heat.
The fire illuminated the dark forest.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Water
A powerful force that can shape landscapes.
The Grand Canyon was formed by water erosion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Fire
A term used to express enthusiasm or energy.
The speaker spoke with fire about justice.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Fire
A rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame, especially the exothermic oxidation of a combustible substance
Destruction by fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Water
A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid, H2O, essential for most plant and animal life and the most widely used of all solvents. Freezing point 0°C (32°F); boiling point 100°C (212°F); specific gravity (4°C) 1.0000; weight per gallon (15°C) 8.338 pounds (3.782 kilograms).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Burning intensity of feeling; ardor or enthusiasm
A musical performance that had fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Waters A particular stretch of sea or ocean, especially that of a state or country
Escorted out of British waters.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance
The fire of an artistic genius.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A supply of water
Had to turn off the water while repairing the broken drain.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Any of the fluids normally secreted from the body, such as urine, perspiration, tears, or saliva.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A fluid present in a body part in abnormal quantities as a result of injury or disease
Water on the knee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Discharged bullets or other projectiles
Subjected enemy positions to heavy mortar fire.
Struck by rifle fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Intense, repeated attack or criticism
Answered the fire from her political critics.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The valuation of the assets of a business firm beyond their real value.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To illuminate or cause to resemble fire, as in color
The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To start (a fuel-burning engine or a vehicle with such an engine). Often used with up.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent. Often used with up
Demonstrators who were fired up by their sense of injustice.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To dilute or weaken by adding water
A bar serving whiskey that had been watered.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To propel (a projectile) from a weapon or launch (a missile)
Fired several rounds before the gun jammed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To increase (the number of shares of stock) without increasing the value of the assets represented.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(Informal) To throw or propel with force and speed
Fire a ball at a batter.
Fire a puck at the goal.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(Games) To score (a number) in a game or contest
The golfer fired a 35 on the front nine.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To salivate in anticipation of food
The wonderful aroma from the kitchen makes my mouth water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(uncountable) A substance (of molecular formula H2O) found at room temperature and pressure as a clear liquid; it is present naturally as rain, and found in rivers, lakes and seas; its solid form is ice and its gaseous form is steam.
By the action of electricity, the water was resolved into its two parts, oxygen and hydrogen.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The liquid form of this substance: liquid H2O.
May I have a glass of water?
Your plants need more water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The aforementioned liquid, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
He showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Water in a body; an area of open water.
The boat was found within the territorial waters.
These seals are a common sight in the coastal waters of Chile.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(uncountable) A (usually self-sustaining) chemical reaction involving the bonding of oxygen with carbon or other fuel, with the production of heat and the presence of flame or smouldering.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(countable) An instance of this chemical reaction, especially when intentionally created and maintained in a specific location to a useful end (such as a campfire or a hearth fire).
We sat about the fire singing songs and telling tales.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(countable) The occurrence, often accidental, of fire in a certain place, causing damage and danger.
There was a fire at the school last night and the whole place burned down.
During hot and dry summers many fires in forests are caused by regardlessly discarded cigarette butts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(pharmacy) A solution in water of a gaseous or readily volatile substance.
Ammonia water
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
The aforementioned chemical reaction of burning, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
A heater or stove used in place of a real fire (such as an electric fire).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Amniotic fluid or the amniotic sac containing it. Used only in the plural in the UK but often also in the singular in North America. (The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary says "often used in plural; also: bag of waters".)
Before the child is born, the pregnant woman’s water breaks.
Before your child is born, your water(s) will break.
Before the child is born, the pregnant woman’s waters break.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(countable) The elements necessary to start a fire.
The fire was laid and needed to be lit.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Fluids in the body, especially when causing swelling.
He suffers from water on the knee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(uncountable) The bullets or other projectiles fired from a gun or other ranged weapon.
The fire from the enemy guns kept us from attacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A state of affairs; conditions; usually with an adjective indicating an adverse condition.
The rough waters of change will bring about the calm after the storm.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(countable) A planned bombardment by artillery or similar weapons, or the capability to deliver such.
We dominated the battlespace with our fires.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The limpidity and lustre of a precious stone, especially a diamond.
A diamond of the first water is perfectly pure and transparent
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A wavy, lustrous pattern or decoration such as is imparted to linen, silk, metals, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(transitive) To wet or supply with water; to moisten; to overflow with water; to irrigate.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(transitive) To provide (animals) with water for drinking.
I need to water the cattle.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(intransitive) To get or take in water.
The ship put into port to water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To urinate onto.
Nature called, so I stepped into the woods and watered a tree.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(transitive) To heat as with fire, but without setting on fire, as ceramic, metal objects, etc.
If you fire the pottery at too high a temperature, it may crack.
They fire the wood to make it easier to put a point on the end.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(intransitive) To fill with or secrete water.
Chopping onions makes my eyes water.
The smell of fried onions makes my mouth water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(transitive) To terminate the employment contract of (an employee), especially for cause (such as misconduct or poor performance).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
(transitive) To wet and calender, as cloth, so as to impart to it a lustrous appearance in wavy lines; to diversify with wavelike lines.
To water silk
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The fluid which descends from the clouds in rain, and which forms rivers, lakes, seas, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(transitive) To shoot (a gun, rocket/missile, or analogous device).
We will fire our guns at the enemy.
The jet fired a salvo of rockets at the truck convoy.
He fired his radar gun at passing cars.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A body of water, standing or flowing; a lake, river, or other collection of water.
Remembering he had passed over a small water a poor scholar when first coming to the university, he kneeled.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(intransitive) To shoot a gun, cannon, or similar weapon.
Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Any liquid secretion, humor, or the like, resembling water; esp., the urine.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(rocketry) To operate a rocket engine to produce thrust.
The RCS thrusters fired several times to stabilize the tumbling spacecraft.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A solution in water of a gaseous or readily volatile substance; as, ammonia water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The limpidity and luster of a precious stone, especially a diamond; as, a diamond of the first water, that is, perfectly pure and transparent. Hence, of the first water, that is, of the first excellence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
An addition to the shares representing the capital of a stock company so that the aggregate par value of the shares is increased while their value for investment is diminished, or "diluted."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To cause an action potential in a cell.
When a neuron fires, it transmits information.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To wet or supply with water; to moisten; to overflow with water; to irrigate; as, to water land; to water flowers.
With tears watering the ground.
Men whose lives gilded on like rivers that water the woodlands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(transitive) To forcibly direct (something).
He answered the questions the reporters fired at him.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To supply with water for drink; to cause or allow to drink; as, to water cattle and horses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To initiate an event (by means of an event handler).
The event handler should only fire after all web page content has finished loading.
The queue fires a job whenever the thread pool is ready to handle it.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To add water to (anything), thereby extending the quantity or bulk while reducing the strength or quality; to extend; to dilute; to weaken.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
(transitive) To inflame; to irritate, as the passions.
To fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
To shed, secrete, or fill with, water or liquid matter; as, his eyes began to water.
If thine eyes can water for his death.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
The part of the earth's surface covered with water (such as a river or lake or ocean);
They invaded our territorial waters
They were sitting by the water's edge
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Facility that provides a source of water;
The town debated the purification of the water supply
First you have to cut off the water
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Liquid excretory product;
There was blood in his urine
The child had to make water
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A fluid necessary for the life of most animals and plants;
He asked for a drink of water
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Supply with water, as with channels or ditches or streams;
Water the fields
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Fuel in a state of combustion, as on a hearth, or in a stove or a furnace.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
Secrete or form water, as tears or saliva;
My mouth watered at the prospect of a good dinner
His eyes watered
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Ardor of passion, whether love or hate; excessive warmth; consuming violence of temper.
He had fire in his temper.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Liveliness of imagination or fancy; intellectual and moral enthusiasm; capacity for ardor and zeal.
And bless their critic with a poet's fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A medium for various recreational activities.
We love to swim in the water during summer.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Fire
Splendor; brilliancy; luster; hence, a star.
Stars, hide your fires.
As in a zodiacrepresenting the heavenly fires.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Water
A solvent used in numerous chemical reactions.
Water is used to dilute many acids.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Fire
The discharge of firearms; firing; as, the troops were exposed to a heavy fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To set on fire; to kindle; as, to fire a house or chimney; to fire a pile.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To subject to intense heat; to bake; to burn in a kiln; as, to fire pottery.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To inflame; to irritate, as the passions; as, to fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge.
Love had fired my mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To animate; to give life or spirit to; as, to fire the genius of a young man.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To light up as if by fire; to illuminate.
[The sun] fires the proud tops of the eastern pines.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To cause to explode; as, to fire a torpedo; to disharge; as, to fire a rifle, pistol, or cannon; to fire cannon balls, rockets, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To dismiss from employment, a post, or other job; to cause (a person) to cease being an employee; - of a person. The act of firing is usually performed by that person's supervisor or employer.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
To discharge artillery or firearms; as, they fired on the town.to grow irritated or angry.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
The event of something burning (often destructive);
They lost everything in the fire
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke;
Fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
The act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy;
Hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes
They retreated in the face of withering enemy fire
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Intense adverse criticism;
Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party
The government has come under attack
Don't give me any flak
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Terminate the employment of;
The boss fired his secretary today
The company terminated 25% of its workers
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Drive out or away by or as if by fire;
The soldiers were fired
Surrender fires the cold skepticism
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2022
Fire
A symbol of destruction or danger.
The town was destroyed by a massive fire.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Fire
An event of shooting bullets from a weapon.
The soldier opened fire on the enemy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Can "water" refer to areas like oceans and lakes?
Yes, "water" can generically refer to bodies of water, such as seas, lakes, or rivers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" mean termination from a job?
Yes, "fire" can colloquially mean to terminate someone's employment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Are "fire" and "water" nouns or verbs?
Both "fire" and "water" can be used as nouns and verbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" imply enthusiasm in American slang?
Yes, "fire" can denote something excellent or impressive in slang (e.g., "This song is fire!").
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Does "water" always refer to H2O in conversations?
Generally, yes, but "water" might also refer to a characteristic of something being diluted or watered down.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" refer to discharging a weapon?
Yes, "fire" can refer to discharging a firearm or similar weapon.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can "water" mean to supply with water, as in plants?
Yes, to "water" can mean to moisten or supply with water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "water" used in metaphorical expressions?
Yes, "water" is used metaphorically, as in “still waters run deep” or "treading water."
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" indicate propulsion?
Yes, "fire" can indicate propulsion, especially in the context of engines or rockets.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Does "fire" always depict danger or warning?
Not always, but "fire" is often associated with caution due to its potential for harm and destruction.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Does "water" have any financial connotations?
Yes, "water" in finance refers to inflating an asset's value or diluting share value.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "fire" always associated with actual flames?
No, "fire" can symbolize passion or intensity without referring to actual flames.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "water" associated with purity in symbolism?
Yes, "water" often symbolizes purity, life, and renewal in various cultures and religions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Does "fire" imply ignition in all contexts?
Often, but not always. "Fire" may refer to a state, action, or process involving combustion, but context matters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" signify fervor or intensity in an activity?
Yes, "fire" can symbolize fervor or intensity, as in "She has a fire for social justice."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "water" indicate tears or crying in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, "water" can refer to tears, as in "Her eyes watered with emotion."
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" be a natural or man-made event?
Yes, "fire" can occur naturally, like wildfires, or be man-made, like campfires.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Does "water" always imply a liquid state?
Commonly, yes. Though water can exist as ice or steam, "water" typically implies the liquid state.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "water" refer to a water supply or system?
Yes, "water" can refer to supply systems, as in "The city’s water is clean."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can "fire" be used to describe piquancy in food?
Yes, "fire" can denote spiciness, as in "This chili has fire!"
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
