The Spanish word 'encendido' (meaning 'lit' or 'ignited') comes from the verb 'encender' ('to light' or 'to ignite'), combined with the past participle suffix '-ido'. The verb 'encender' traces back to the Latin word 'incendere' meaning 'to set fire to'. This Latin word was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'in-' meaning 'inward' and the verb 'candere' meaning 'to glow' or 'to burn'. Over time, the Latin 'in-' prefix evolved to 'en-' in Spanish, while maintaining the core meaning related to fire and burning.

Some related Spanish words include 'candente' (white-hot, glowing), which comes directly from the Latin 'candere', and 'incendio' (fire, blaze), which comes from the same Latin root 'incendere'. The word 'candela' (candle) is also related, preserving the ancient connection to light and fire.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'incendiary' (causing or capable of causing fire), 'candescent' (glowing with heat), and 'candle', all of which share the Latin ancestor 'candere'. The word 'incense' is also related, coming from the same Latin 'incendere', originally referring to material that is burned for its aromatic smoke.