Burst vs. Flare — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
A burst typically refers to a short, intense release of energy or activity, while a flare is often an extended, radiant emission of light or heat.
Difference Between Burst and Flare
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A burst is generally characterized by a sudden, intense occurrence that is brief in duration. This could be anything from a burst of laughter to a burst of gunfire. On the other hand, a flare involves a gradual increase and often prolonged display of light or heat, such as a flare shot into the sky for signaling or the flare of a candle flame.
In technical contexts, a burst can refer to rapid data transmission or sudden eruptions, like a burst pipe. Conversely, a flare is used to describe phenomena such as solar flares, which involve the gradual release of magnetic energy from the sun over a period of time.
The term burst is often used in scenarios requiring immediate attention and action due to its sudden and sometimes violent nature, such as in emergency responses to burst dams. Flares, however, are more associated with warnings or guidance, providing ongoing visibility or signaling, as in roadway safety flares.
The usage of bursts is typically associated with controlled environments where the quick release of energy is necessary and planned, such as in explosions used in demolition. Flares, in contrast, are designed for ongoing, visible output, commonly used in safety and emergency scenarios to attract attention over time.
While both bursts and flares can be seen in astronomical contexts such as gamma-ray bursts and solar flares their manifestations and implications differ significantly. A gamma-ray burst is a brief but extremely intense emission of gamma rays from space, whereas a solar flare is a visible and often powerful release of energy on the sun’s surface, lasting longer.
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Comparison Chart
Duration
Short and sudden
Gradual and prolonged
Nature
Intense and often violent
Radiant and warming
Common Usage
Data transmission, explosions
Emergency signaling, illumination
Contexts
Controlled environments, emergency response
Safety, guidance, astronomical observations
Examples
Burst of laughter, burst pipe
Solar flare, flare of a candle
Compare with Definitions
Burst
A sudden, intense release of energy or activity.
A burst of applause followed the performance.
Flare
Used for signaling or illumination.
Emergency flares are crucial for nighttime visibility on the road.
Burst
Characterized by quick, explosive action.
The pipe burst due to the pressure.
Flare
In medicine, refers to a sudden recurrence of symptoms.
A flare-up of arthritis can be quite painful.
Burst
Seen in natural phenomena like burst dams.
The burst dam caused widespread flooding.
Flare
Associated with style, as in flared jeans.
Flared jeans became popular in the 1970s.
Burst
In astronomy, refers to rapid, intense energy emissions.
A gamma-ray burst is the most luminous event known in the universe.
Flare
A flare, also sometimes called a fusée, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a bright light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.
Burst
Break open or apart suddenly and violently, especially as a result of an impact or internal pressure
The dam burst after days of torrential rain
One of the balloons burst
Flare
To flame up with a bright, wavering light.
Burst
Issue suddenly and uncontrollably
The words burst from him in an angry rush
Flare
To burst into intense, sudden flame.
Burst
Suddenly begin doing or producing something
The aircraft burst into flames
She burst into tears
Sophie burst out laughing
Flare
To erupt or intensify suddenly
Tempers flared at the meeting. His allergies flared up.
Burst
Separate (continuous stationery) into single sheets.
Flare
To become suddenly angry. Used with up
He flared up when she alluded to his financial difficulties.
Burst
An instance of breaking or splitting as a result of internal pressure or puncturing; an explosion
The mortar bursts were further away than before
Flare
To make a sudden angry verbal attack. Used with out
Flared out at his accusers.
Burst
A sudden brief outbreak
A burst of activity
Bursts of laughter
Flare
To expand or open outward in shape
A skirt that flares from the waist.
Nostrils that flared with anger.
Burst
A period of continuous and intense effort
He sailed 474 miles in one 24-hour burst
Flare
To cause to flame up.
Burst
To come open or fly apart suddenly or violently, especially from internal pressure.
Flare
To signal with a blaze of light.
Burst
To explode.
Flare
A brief wavering blaze of light.
Burst
To be or seem to be full to the point of breaking open
The sacks were bursting with grain.
Flare
A device that produces a bright light for signaling, illumination, or identification.
Burst
To emerge, come forth, or arrive suddenly
Burst out of the door.
Flare
An outbreak, as of emotion or activity.
Burst
To come apart or seem to come apart because of overwhelming emotion
Thought his heart would burst with happiness.
Flare
An expanding or opening outward.
Burst
To give sudden utterance or expression
Burst out laughing.
Burst into tears.
Flare
An unwanted reflection within an optical system or the resultant fogging of the image.
Burst
To cause to burst
Burst the balloon.
Flare
A solar flare.
Burst
To exert strong pressure in order to force (something) open.
Flare
(Football) A short pass to a back running toward the sideline.
Burst
To separate (a continuous form or printout) into individual sheets.
Flare
(Baseball) A fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield.
Burst
The result of bursting, especially the explosion of a projectile or bomb on impact or in the air.
Flare
An area of redness on the skin surrounding the primary site of infection or irritation.
Burst
The number of bullets fired from an automatic weapon by one pull of the trigger.
Flare
A sudden worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
Treating an arthritis flare.
Burst
A volley of bullets fired from an automatic weapon
The machine gunner fired a quick burst.
Flare
A sudden bright light.
Burst
A sudden, intense display of activity or emotion
A burst of excitement from the crowd when the concert started.
Flare
A source of brightly burning light or intense heat.
Solar flare
Burst
An abrupt, intense increase; a rush
A burst of speed.
Fitful bursts of wind.
Flare
A type of pyrotechnic that produces a brilliant light without an explosion, used to attract attention in an emergency, to illuminate an area, or as a decoy.
Flares were used to steer the traffic away from the accident.
The flares attracted the heat-seeking missiles.
Burst
A period of intense activity
“I write in very short bursts—10 or 15 minutes” (Zoe Heller).
Flare
(oil industry) A flame produced by a burn-off of waste gas (flare gas) from a flare tower (or flare stack), typically at an oil refinery.
Burst
(intransitive) To break from internal pressure.
I blew the balloon up too much, and it burst.
Flare
(figuratively) A sudden eruption or outbreak; a flare-up.
Burst
(transitive) To cause to break from internal pressure.
I burst the balloon when I blew it up too much.
Flare
A widening of an object with an otherwise roughly constant width.
During assembly of a flare tube fitting, a flare nut is used to secure the flared tubing’s tapered end to the also tapered fitting, producing a pressure-resistant, leak-tight seal.
That's a genuine early 70's flare on those pants.
Burst
To cause to break by any means.
Flare
(nautical) The increase in width of most ship hulls with increasing height above the waterline.
Burst
(transitive) To separate (printer paper) at perforation lines.
I printed the report on form-feed paper, then burst the sheets.
Flare
(in plural) Bell-bottom trousers.
Burst
(intransitive) To enter or exit hurriedly and unexpectedly.
Flare
(aviation) The transition from downward flight to level flight just before landing.
The captain executed the flare perfectly, and we lightly touched down.
Burst
(intransitive) To erupt; to change state suddenly as if bursting.
The flowers burst into bloom on the first day of spring.
Flare
(baseball) A low fly ball that is hit in the region between the infielders and the outfielders.
Jones hits a little flare to left that falls for a single.
Burst
(transitive) To produce as an effect of bursting.
To burst a hole through the wall
Flare
(American football) A route run by the running back, releasing toward the sideline and then slightly arcing upfield looking for a short pass.
Burst
(transitive) To interrupt suddenly in a violent or explosive manner; to shatter.
Flare
(photography) lens flare
Burst
An act or instance of bursting.
The bursts of the bombs could be heard miles away.
Flare
An inflammation such as of tendons (tendonitis) or joints (osteoarthritis).
Burst
A sudden, often intense, expression, manifestation or display.
Flare
A breakdance move of someone helicoptering his torso on alternating arms.
Burst
A series of shots fired from an automatic firearm.
Flare
(transitive) To cause to burn; in particular, to burn off excess gas (flare gas).
Burst
(military) The explosion of a bomb or missile.
A ground burst; a surface burst
Flare
(transitive) To cause inflammation; to inflame.
Burst
(archaic) A drinking spree.
Flare
(ambitransitive) To open outward in shape.
The cat flared its nostrils while sniffing at the air. (transitive)
The cat’s nostrils flared when it sniffed at the air. (intransitive)
The building flared from the third through the seventh floors to occupy the airspace over the entrance plaza. (intransitive)
The sides of a bowl flare. (intransitive)
Burst
To fly apart or in pieces; of break open; to yield to force or pressure, especially to a sudden and violent exertion of force, or to pressure from within; to explode; as, the boiler had burst; the buds will burst in spring.
From the egg that soonBursting with kindly rupture, forth disclosedTheir callow young.
No, no, my heart will burst, an if I speak:And I will speak, that so my heart may burst.
Flare
To (operate an aircraft to) transition from downward flight to level flight just before landing.
Burst
To exert force or pressure by which something is made suddenly to give way; to break through obstacles or limitations; hence, to appear suddenly and unexpectedly or unaccountably, or to depart in such manner; - usually with some qualifying adverb or preposition, as forth, out, away, into, upon, through, etc.
Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth.
And now you burst (ah cruel!) from my arms.
A resolved villainWhose bowels suddenly burst out.
We were the first that ever burstInto that silent sea.
To burst upon him like an earthquake.
Flare
(intransitive) To blaze brightly.
The blast furnace flared in the night.
Burst
To break or rend by violence, as by an overcharge or by strain or pressure, esp. from within; to force open suddenly; as, to burst a cannon; to burst a blood vessel; to burst open the doors.
My breast I'll burst with straining of my courage.
Flare
(intransitive) To shine out with a sudden and unsteady light; to emit a dazzling or painfully bright light.
The candle flared in a sudden draught.
Burst
To break.
You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?
He burst his lance against the sand below.
Flare
To shine out with gaudy colours; to be offensively bright or showy.
Burst
To produce as an effect of bursting; as, to burst a hole through the wall.
Flare
To suddenly happen or intensify.
Flare up
Burst
A sudden breaking forth; a violent rending; an explosion; as, a burst of thunder; a burst of applause; a burst of passion; a burst of inspiration.
Bursts of fox-hunting melody.
Flare
To suddenly erupt in anger.
Flare up
Burst
Any brief, violent exertion or effort; a spurt; as, a burst of speed.
Flare
To be exposed to too much light.
Burst
A sudden opening, as of landscape; a stretch; an expanse.
Flare
To burn with an unsteady or waving flame; as, the candle flares.
Burst
A rupture or hernia; a breach.
Flare
To shine out with a sudden and unsteady light; to emit a dazzling or painfully bright light.
Burst
The act of exploding or bursting something;
The explosion of the firecrackers awoke the children
The burst of an atom bomb creates enormous radiation aloft
Flare
To shine out with gaudy colors; to flaunt; to be offensively bright or showy.
With ribbons pendant, flaring about her head.
Burst
Rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms;
Our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise
Flare
To be exposed to too much light.
Flaring in sunshine all the day.
Burst
A sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason);
A burst of applause
A fit of housecleaning
Flare
To open or spread outwards; to project beyond the perpendicular; as, the sides of a bowl flare; the bows of a ship flare.
Burst
A sudden violent happening;
An outburst of heavy rain
A burst of lightning
Flare
An unsteady, broad, offensive light.
Burst
Break open or apart suddenly;
The bubble burst
Flare
A spreading outward; as, the flare of a fireplace.
Burst
Force out or release suddenly and often violently something pent up;
Break into tears
Erupt in anger
Flare
A defect in a photographic objective such that an image of the stop, or diaphragm, appears as a fogged spot in the center of the developed negative.
Burst
Burst outward, usually with noise;
The champagne bottle exploded
Flare
Leaf of lard.
Burst
Move suddenly, energetically, or violently;
He burst out of the house into the cool night
Flare
A shape that spreads outward;
The skirt had a wide flare
Burst
Be in a state of movement or action;
The room abounded with screaming children
The garden bristled with toddlers
Flare
A sudden burst of flame
Burst
Emerge suddenly;
The sun burst into view
Flare
A burst of light used to communicate or illuminate
Burst
Cause to burst;
The ice broke the pipe
Flare
Reddening of the skin spreading outward from a focus of infection or irritation
Burst
Break open or apart suddenly and forcefully;
The dam burst
Flare
A sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms;
A colitis flare
Infection can cause a lupus flare
Burst
Suddenly and violently broken open especially from internal pressure (`busted' is an informal term for `burst');
A burst balloon
Burst pipes
Burst seams
A ruptured appendix
A busted balloon
Flare
A sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface; associated with sunspots and radio interference
Burst
Used in data contexts for rapid transmission.
Data is sent in bursts to increase transmission speeds.
Flare
Am unwanted reflection in an optical system (or the fogging of an image that is caused by such a reflection)
Flare
A sudden outburst of emotion;
She felt a flare of delight
She could not control her flare of rage
Flare
A device that produces a bright light for warning or illumination or identification
Flare
A short forward pass to a back who is running toward the sidelines;
He threw a flare to the fullback who was tackled for a loss
Flare
(baseball) a fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield
Flare
Burn brightly;
Every star seemed to flare with new intensity
Flare
Become flared and widen, usually at one end;
The bellbottom pants flare out
Flare
Shine with a sudden light;
The night sky flared with the massive bombardment
Flare
Erupt or intensify suddenly;
Unrest erupted in the country
Tempers flared at the meeting
The crowd irrupted into a burst of patriotism
Flare
A gradual increase and sustained emission of light or heat.
The flare of the match illuminated the dark room.
Flare
Seen in astronomical phenomena like solar flares.
Solar flares can disrupt satellite communications.
Common Curiosities
What safety precautions are associated with bursts and flares?
Bursts require immediate containment or control measures, while flares need proper handling and disposal to ensure safety, especially in emergency use.
What is the primary difference in usage between burst and flare?
Burst is used to describe a sudden and intense occurrence, while flare denotes a gradual and prolonged emission.
How do bursts and flares differ in data transmission?
Bursts in data transmission refer to short, intense packets of data, while flares are not typically used in this context.
How do astronomers differentiate between a gamma-ray burst and a solar flare?
Gamma-ray bursts are short-lived and extremely energetic events in distant galaxies, while solar flares are solar phenomena that can last from minutes to hours and affect the Earth’s space environment.
What are the typical contexts where bursts are used over flares?
Bursts are commonly used in contexts requiring immediate, impactful results, such as data transmission or controlled demolitions, whereas flares are used for prolonged visibility and signaling, especially in safety applications.
Can both burst and flare be used in medical contexts?
Yes, burst can describe an abrupt onset of symptoms, whereas flare often refers to a gradual worsening or recurrence.
Can bursts and flares occur naturally in the environment?
Yes, natural occurrences include burst dams or riverbanks and solar flares, each having distinct causes and effects on the environment.
How do the durations of bursts and flares affect their respective uses?
The short duration of bursts makes them suitable for instant, impactful applications like sending data or demolishing structures, while the longer duration of flares makes them suitable for prolonged visibility in emergency signaling or decorative lighting.
Are there environmental impacts associated with bursts and flares?
Yes, bursts such as explosions can release pollutants and debris into the environment, while flares, especially those used in oil fields or as distress signals, can contribute to light pollution and chemical residues.
What industries rely heavily on the use of flares?
The maritime and automotive safety industries use flares for emergency signaling, and the oil and gas industry uses flares to burn off excess gases.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
