Fire vs. Water: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Physical State
Combustive, emits light and heat.
Stable liquid, no emission of light or heat.
Impact on Matter
Consumes and alters matter.
Sustains and can shape matter.
Symbolic Association
Often associated with destruction and purification.
Commonly symbolizes life and purity.
Interaction with Life
Utilized for heat and transformation.
Fundamental for life’s biological processes.
Natural Occurrence
Occurs with specific conditions (heat, fuel, oxygen).
Ubiquitous, covering 71% of Earth’s surface.
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Fire and Water Definitions
Fire
Combustion that emits light and heat.
The fire illuminated the dark forest.
Water
A powerful force that can shape landscapes.
The Grand Canyon was formed by water erosion.
Fire
A term used to express enthusiasm or energy.
The speaker spoke with fire about justice.
Water
A basic drink for humans and animals.
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.
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).
Fire
A specific instance of this change that destroys something
A house fire.
Water
Any of various forms of water
Waste water.
Fire
A burning fuel
A cooking fire.
Water
Often waters Naturally occurring mineral water, as at a spa.
Fire
Burning intensity of feeling; ardor or enthusiasm
A musical performance that had fire.
Water
A body of water such as a sea, lake, river, or stream.
Fire
Luminosity or brilliance, as of a cut and polished gemstone.
Water
Waters A particular stretch of sea or ocean, especially that of a state or country
Escorted out of British waters.
Fire
Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance
The fire of an artistic genius.
Water
A supply of water
Had to turn off the water while repairing the broken drain.
Fire
A severe test; a trial or torment
Went through fire to become a leader.
Water
A water supply system.
Fire
A fever or bodily inflammation
Tormented by the fire in an infected toe.
Water
Any of the fluids normally secreted from the body, such as urine, perspiration, tears, or saliva.
Fire
The discharge of firearms or artillery
Heard the fire of cannon.
Water
A fluid present in a body part in abnormal quantities as a result of injury or disease
Water on the knee.
Fire
The launching of a missile, rocket, or similar ballistic body.
Water
The fluid surrounding a fetus in the uterus; amniotic fluid.
Fire
Discharged bullets or other projectiles
Subjected enemy positions to heavy mortar fire.
Struck by rifle fire.
Water
An aqueous solution of a substance, especially a gas
Ammonia water.
Fire
Intense, repeated attack or criticism
Answered the fire from her political critics.
Water
A wavy finish or sheen, as of a fabric or metal.
Fire
To cause to burn; ignite or set fire to
Fired the enemy's encampment.
Water
The valuation of the assets of a business firm beyond their real value.
Fire
To illuminate or cause to resemble fire, as in color
The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.
Water
Stock issued in excess of paid-in capital.
Fire
To start (a fuel-burning engine or a vehicle with such an engine). Often used with up.
Water
The transparency and luster of a gem.
Fire
To start or tend a fire in
Fire a furnace.
Water
A level of excellence.
Fire
To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent. Often used with up
Demonstrators who were fired up by their sense of injustice.
Water
To pour or sprinkle water on; make wet
Watered the garden.
Fire
To inspire or arouse (an emotion or the imagination).
Water
To give drinking water to.
Fire
To bake or dry by heating, as in a kiln
Fire pottery.
Water
To lead (an animal) to drinking water.
Fire
To discharge (a firearm, for example).
Water
To dilute or weaken by adding water
A bar serving whiskey that had been watered.
Fire
To detonate (an explosive).
Water
To give a sheen to the surface of (fabric or metal).
Fire
To propel (a projectile) from a weapon or launch (a missile)
Fired several rounds before the gun jammed.
Water
To increase (the number of shares of stock) without increasing the value of the assets represented.
Fire
(Informal) To throw or propel with force and speed
Fire a ball at a batter.
Fire a puck at the goal.
Water
To irrigate (land).
Fire
To utter or direct with insistence
Fired questions at the senator.
Water
To produce or discharge fluid, as from the eyes.
Fire
(Games) To score (a number) in a game or contest
The golfer fired a 35 on the front nine.
Water
To salivate in anticipation of food
The wonderful aroma from the kitchen makes my mouth water.
Fire
To end the employment or service of; dismiss.
Water
To take on a supply of water, as a ship.
Fire
To become ignited; flame up
Wet kindling that just wouldn't fire.
Water
To drink water, as an animal.
Fire
To shoot a weapon
Aimed and fired at the target.
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.
Fire
To detonate an explosive.
Water
The liquid form of this substance: liquid H2O.
May I have a glass of water?
Your plants need more water.
Fire
To ignite fuel; start
The engine fired right away.
Water
(countable) A serving of liquid water.
Fire
To send out a projectile; discharge
The cannons fired for hours.
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.
Fire
To propel or hurl a projectile
The pitcher wound up and fired.
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.
Fire
(Physiology) To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.
Water
A body of water, almost always a river.
Fire
To become yellowed or brown before reaching maturity, as grain.
Water
A combination of water and other substance(s).
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.
Water
Mineral water.
Perrier is the most popular water in this restaurant.
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.
Water
Spa water.
Many people visit Bath to take the waters.
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.
Water
(pharmacy) A solution in water of a gaseous or readily volatile substance.
Ammonia water
Fire
The aforementioned chemical reaction of burning, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.
Water
Urine.
Fire
A heater or stove used in place of a real fire (such as an electric fire).
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.
Fire
(countable) The elements necessary to start a fire.
The fire was laid and needed to be lit.
Water
Fluids in the body, especially when causing swelling.
He suffers from water on the knee.
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.
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.
Fire
(countable) A planned bombardment by artillery or similar weapons, or the capability to deliver such.
We dominated the battlespace with our fires.
Water
A person's intuition.
I know he'll succeed. I feel it in my waters.
Fire
A barrage, volley
Water
Excess valuation of securities.
Fire
(rocketry) An instance of firing one or more rocket engines.
Static fire
Water
The limpidity and lustre of a precious stone, especially a diamond.
A diamond of the first water is perfectly pure and transparent
Fire
Strength of passion, whether love or hate.
Water
A wavy, lustrous pattern or decoration such as is imparted to linen, silk, metals, etc.
Fire
Liveliness of imagination or fancy; intellectual and moral enthusiasm.
Water
(transitive) To pour water into the soil surrounding (plants).
Fire
Splendour; brilliancy; lustre; hence, a star.
Water
(transitive) To wet or supply with water; to moisten; to overflow with water; to irrigate.
Fire
A severe trial; anything inflaming or provoking.
Water
(transitive) To provide (animals) with water for drinking.
I need to water the cattle.
Fire
Red coloration in a piece of opal.
Water
(intransitive) To get or take in water.
The ship put into port to water.
Fire
(slang) Amazing; excellent.
That shit is fire, yo!
Water
To urinate onto.
Nature called, so I stepped into the woods and watered a tree.
Fire
(transitive) To set (something, often a building) on fire.
Water
(transitive) To dilute.
Can you water the whisky, please?
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.
Water
To overvalue (securities), especially through deceptive accounting.
Fire
(transitive) To drive away by setting a fire.
Water
(intransitive) To fill with or secrete water.
Chopping onions makes my eyes water.
The smell of fried onions makes my mouth water.
Fire
(transitive) To terminate the employment contract of (an employee), especially for cause (such as misconduct or poor performance).
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
Fire
To terminate a contract with a client; to drop a client.
Water
The fluid which descends from the clouds in rain, and which forms rivers, lakes, seas, etc.
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.
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.
Fire
(intransitive) To shoot a gun, cannon, or similar weapon.
Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.
Water
Any liquid secretion, humor, or the like, resembling water; esp., the urine.
Fire
(rocketry) To operate a rocket engine to produce thrust.
The RCS thrusters fired several times to stabilize the tumbling spacecraft.
Water
A solution in water of a gaseous or readily volatile substance; as, ammonia water.
Fire
To set off an explosive in a mine.
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.
Fire
To shoot; to attempt to score a goal.
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."
Fire
To cause an action potential in a cell.
When a neuron fires, it transmits information.
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.
Fire
(transitive) To forcibly direct (something).
He answered the questions the reporters fired at him.
Water
To supply with water for drink; to cause or allow to drink; as, to water cattle and horses.
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.
Water
To add water to (anything), thereby extending the quantity or bulk while reducing the strength or quality; to extend; to dilute; to weaken.
Fire
(transitive) To inflame; to irritate, as the passions.
To fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge
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.
Fire
To be irritated or inflamed with passion.
Water
To get or take in water; as, the ship put into port to water.
Fire
To animate; to give life or spirit to.
To fire the genius of a young man
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
Fire
To feed or serve the fire of.
To fire a boiler
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
Fire
(transitive) To light up as if by fire; to illuminate.
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
Fire
To cauterize.
Water
Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Fire
To catch fire; to be kindled.
Water
Liquid excretory product;
There was blood in his urine
The child had to make water
Fire
Command to shoot with firearms
Water
A fluid necessary for the life of most animals and plants;
He asked for a drink of water
Fire
The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.
Water
Supply with water, as with channels or ditches or streams;
Water the fields
Fire
Fuel in a state of combustion, as on a hearth, or in a stove or a furnace.
Water
Provide with water;
We watered the buffalo
Fire
The burning of a house or town; a conflagration.
Water
Secrete or form water, as tears or saliva;
My mouth watered at the prospect of a good dinner
His eyes watered
Fire
Anything which destroys or affects like fire.
Water
Fill with tears;
His eyes were watering
Fire
Ardor of passion, whether love or hate; excessive warmth; consuming violence of temper.
He had fire in his temper.
Water
A liquid vital for all known forms of life.
Plants need water to grow.
Fire
Liveliness of imagination or fancy; intellectual and moral enthusiasm; capacity for ardor and zeal.
And bless their critic with a poet's fire.
Water
A medium for various recreational activities.
We love to swim in the water during summer.
Fire
Splendor; brilliancy; luster; hence, a star.
Stars, hide your fires.
As in a zodiacrepresenting the heavenly fires.
Water
A solvent used in numerous chemical reactions.
Water is used to dilute many acids.
Fire
Torture by burning; severe trial or affliction.
Fire
The discharge of firearms; firing; as, the troops were exposed to a heavy fire.
Fire
To set on fire; to kindle; as, to fire a house or chimney; to fire a pile.
Fire
To subject to intense heat; to bake; to burn in a kiln; as, to fire pottery.
Fire
To inflame; to irritate, as the passions; as, to fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge.
Love had fired my mind.
Fire
To animate; to give life or spirit to; as, to fire the genius of a young man.
Fire
To feed or serve the fire of; as, to fire a boiler.
Fire
To light up as if by fire; to illuminate.
[The sun] fires the proud tops of the eastern pines.
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.
Fire
To drive by fire.
Till my bad angel fire my good one out.
Fire
To cauterize.
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.
Fire
To take fire; to be kindled; to kindle.
Fire
To be irritated or inflamed with passion.
Fire
To discharge artillery or firearms; as, they fired on the town.to grow irritated or angry.
Fire
The event of something burning (often destructive);
They lost everything in the fire
Fire
The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke;
Fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries
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
Fire
A fireplace in which a fire is burning;
They sat by the fire and talked
Fire
Intense adverse criticism;
Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party
The government has come under attack
Don't give me any flak
Fire
Feelings of great warmth and intensity;
He spoke with great ardor
Fire
Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Fire
A severe trial;
He went through fire and damnation
Fire
Start firing a weapon
Fire
Cause to go off;
Fire a gun
Fire a bullet
Fire
Bake in a kiln so as to harden;
Fire pottery
Fire
Terminate the employment of;
The boss fired his secretary today
The company terminated 25% of its workers
Fire
Go off or discharge;
The gun fired
Fire
Drive out or away by or as if by fire;
The soldiers were fired
Surrender fires the cold skepticism
Fire
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Fire
Destroy by fire;
They burned the house and his diaries
Fire
Provide with fuel;
Oil fires the furnace
Fire
A tool for cooking and transforming food.
He cooked fish over the fire.
Fire
A symbol of destruction or danger.
The town was destroyed by a massive fire.
Fire
An event of shooting bullets from a weapon.
The soldier opened fire on the enemy.
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.
Can "fire" mean termination from a job?
Yes, "fire" can colloquially mean to terminate someone's employment.
Are "fire" and "water" nouns or verbs?
Both "fire" and "water" can be used as nouns and verbs.
Can "fire" imply enthusiasm in American slang?
Yes, "fire" can denote something excellent or impressive in slang (e.g., "This song is fire!").
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.
Can "fire" refer to discharging a weapon?
Yes, "fire" can refer to discharging a firearm or similar weapon.
Can "water" mean to supply with water, as in plants?
Yes, to "water" can mean to moisten or supply with water.
Is "water" used in metaphorical expressions?
Yes, "water" is used metaphorically, as in “still waters run deep” or "treading water."
Can "fire" indicate propulsion?
Yes, "fire" can indicate propulsion, especially in the context of engines or rockets.
Does "fire" always depict danger or warning?
Not always, but "fire" is often associated with caution due to its potential for harm and destruction.
Does "water" have any financial connotations?
Yes, "water" in finance refers to inflating an asset's value or diluting share value.
Is "fire" always associated with actual flames?
No, "fire" can symbolize passion or intensity without referring to actual flames.
Is "water" associated with purity in symbolism?
Yes, "water" often symbolizes purity, life, and renewal in various cultures and religions.
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.
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."
Can "water" indicate tears or crying in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, "water" can refer to tears, as in "Her eyes watered with emotion."
Can "fire" be a natural or man-made event?
Yes, "fire" can occur naturally, like wildfires, or be man-made, like campfires.
Does "water" always imply a liquid state?
Commonly, yes. Though water can exist as ice or steam, "water" typically implies the liquid state.
Can "water" refer to a water supply or system?
Yes, "water" can refer to supply systems, as in "The city’s water is clean."
Can "fire" be used to describe piquancy in food?
Yes, "fire" can denote spiciness, as in "This chili has fire!"
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
