Meaning and usage of the word flame in English

The word "flame" has its roots in Old English and has been in use since the 8th century. The earliest recorded form of the word is "flām", which referred to a spark or a burning coal. This etymological ancestor is thought to have come from the Proto-Germanic word "*flaimiz", which itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhl'" meaning "to shine" or "to burn". Over time, the meaning of the word "flame" expanded to include the concept of a continuous body of fire, such as a fire or a blaze. The noun has since developed various idiomatic expressions, such as "to be on the flame" (to be in love), "to go up in flames" (to be destroyed by fire), and "a flame of passion" (a strong emotional desire). Despite its ancient origins, the word "flame" remains a part of daily language, often used metaphorically to describe intense emotions and actions.