2006-07-15 11:19:33 · 7 answers · asked by CARAR 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
this is an interesting question, the words valuable and invaluable are similar in the same way, english is a confusing language
2006-07-15 15:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by jeff6683 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simpler than it looks.
To "inflame" something means to set it on fire. It uses the prefix (from dictionary.com)
en-1 or em- or in-
prefix.
To put into or onto: "encapsulate"--to put into a capsule
To go into or onto: "enplane"--to get into a plane.
To cover or provide with: "enrobe"--to cover with a robe.
Here's where you get the confusion, because the prefix "in" can also mean "not", in fact more often means "not". "inconceivable" you can't conceive it. "Inconclusive" you can't come to a conclusion, and so forth.
Most people see "inflammable" and think
in (not) flam (fire) able
when correctly it is
in (to put into) flam (fire) able
2006-07-15 19:03:58 · answer #2 · answered by barbara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because inflammable means capable of becoming inflamed and flammable means capable of becoming full of flames
2006-07-15 22:39:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cuz english is messed up
how come vineyard isn't even close to being pronounced
vine - yard?
How many ways can you pronounce "ough"
oo, uf, off, o, as in
through, tough, cough, though
2006-07-15 18:25:54 · answer #4 · answered by bogusman82 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Question!!!!! I seriously have no idea. great. Now I have something new, that I don't necessarily NEED to know, to think about and to ponder.....
2006-07-15 18:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by Asterisk_Love♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the english language makes no sense {cents}
2006-07-15 18:23:36 · answer #6 · answered by krystalbay2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
surprisingly yes, they mean the same thing.
I don't know why though.
2006-07-15 18:22:36 · answer #7 · answered by ♪ ♫ ☮ NYbron ☮ ♪ ♫ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋