The Spanish verb 'encender' (meaning 'to light' or 'to ignite') comes from the Latin verb 'incendere' meaning 'to set fire to'. The Latin 'incendere' itself was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in, into' and the verb 'candere' meaning 'to glow, to shine'. This combination created the idea of making something glow or causing it to catch fire.

Some related Spanish words include 'candela' (candle), 'candente' (red-hot, glowing), and 'incendio' (fire). All these words share the same Latin root 'candere' relating to glowing and burning. The word 'candente' maintains the original meaning of glowing, while 'candela' refers to an object that glows (a candle), and 'incendio' refers to the result of setting something on fire.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'incendiary' (causing or capable of causing fire), 'candescent' (glowing with heat), and 'candle'. These words all trace back to the same Latin roots. The word 'candid' also comes from 'candere', but took on a metaphorical meaning - just as something glowing is clear and bright, 'candid' came to mean clear, honest, and straightforward in English.