He started/ignited the engine of the car.

[Tan Elaine]

He ignited/started the engine of the car.

I would like to know whether 'ignited' has the same meaning as 'started' in the above sentence. One of my friends thinks the word is a fine substitute for 'started' in the above context.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

No. If you ignite something, you set fire to it.

 

[Barb_D]

I would add that you only have to say "He started the car." Everyone will know that means the engine.

 

[BobK]

:up:

He ignited/started the engine of the car.

I would like to know whether 'ignited' has the same meaning as 'started' in the above sentence. One of my friends thinks the word is a fine substitute for 'started' in the above context.

Thanks.

In internal combustion engines, ignition is involved; in French, the link is even clearer - the spark plugs are bougies[/I (='candles'). But drivers, in general, are not pyromaniacs. ;-)

b