Ignis Fatuus

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌɪɡnɪs ˈfætʃuəs/

Definitions of ignis fatuus

noun a phosphorescent light that hovers or flits over swampy ground at night, possibly caused by the combustion of gases from decomposed organic matter

Example Sentences

A1 I saw an ignis fatuus in the distance while camping.

A2 Local legend says that the ignis fatuus leads travelers astray in the marshes.

B1 Some people mistake the ignis fatuus for a ghostly apparition.

B2 Scientists have studied the ignis fatuus phenomenon to understand its causes.

C1 The ignis fatuus has been a source of mystery and intrigue for centuries.

C2 Many poets and writers have used the ignis fatuus as a symbol of illusion and deceit in their works.

Examples of ignis fatuus in a Sentence

formal The ignis fatuus is a natural phenomenon that can sometimes be mistaken for a ghostly light in the distance.

informal I thought I saw an ignis fatuus while walking in the woods last night, but it turned out to be just a reflection.

slang Don't be fooled by that ignis fatuus, it's just a trick of the light.

figurative His promises were like an ignis fatuus, leading me on but never delivering.

Grammatical Forms of ignis fatuus

plural

ignes fatui

comparative

more ignis fatuus

superlative

most ignis fatuus

present tense

ignis fatuus

future tense

will be ignis fatuus

perfect tense

has been ignis fatuus

continuous tense

is being ignis fatuus

singular

ignis fatuus

positive degree

ignis fatuus

infinitive

to be ignis fatuus

gerund

ignis fatuus-ing

participle

ignis fatuus-ed

Origin and Evolution of ignis fatuus

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'ignis fatuus' originated from Latin
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a flickering light or flame, 'ignis fatuus' later evolved to describe a misleading or deceptive phenomenon, such as a mirage or illusion.