Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #1 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

explosive

Top 1

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps explosive in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung explosive in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'explosive' is related to things that go 'boom.' Think of a bomb or a firework. It is something that is very dangerous and can break into many pieces very quickly. You might see this word on a warning sign near a construction site or a gas station. It is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. For example, 'The bomb is explosive.' You don't need to use it in complicated ways yet. Just remember it means something that can explode and cause a big, loud mess. It is a word about danger and power. If you see a red triangle with a picture of an explosion, the word 'explosive' might be written there. It is important for your safety to recognize this word when you travel or read labels on cleaning products. You can also think of it like a very big balloon that pops suddenly. That 'pop' is like a small explosion. So, 'explosive' describes things that have that kind of energy inside them, waiting to come out all at once.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you can start using 'explosive' to describe more than just bombs. You can use it to describe a person's feelings, especially anger. If someone gets angry very fast and shouts loudly, you can say they have an 'explosive temper.' This means their anger is like a bomb that goes off suddenly. You might also hear it in sports. If a runner starts a race very fast, they have an 'explosive start.' It means they have a lot of power in their legs right at the beginning. You are moving from just 'danger' to 'sudden power.' You should be able to use it in simple sentences like 'He has an explosive personality' or 'The growth of the city was explosive.' In these cases, 'explosive' means 'very fast and very big.' It is a useful word to make your descriptions more exciting. Instead of saying 'very fast,' you can say 'explosive' to show that the speed was surprising and powerful. Remember to use it before a noun, like 'explosive growth' or 'explosive energy.'

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, 'explosive' becomes a versatile tool for describing dramatic changes and high-stakes situations. You will often see it in news reports. For example, 'explosive evidence' or 'an explosive revelation' refers to information that is so shocking it changes everything. In business, 'explosive growth' is a common phrase for a company that becomes successful very quickly. You should understand that the word implies a 'burst' of energy or action. It is not just about being 'big' or 'fast'; it is about the suddenness of the event. You can also use it to describe social or political situations. If two countries are very angry with each other, the situation is 'explosive,' meaning a war or a fight could start at any moment. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word metaphorically. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'explosion' (the noun) and 'explode' (the verb). For instance, 'The explosive (adj) device caused a massive explosion (noun) when it exploded (verb).' Using all three forms correctly shows a good grasp of English word families.

At the B2 level, you should use 'explosive' to add nuance and intensity to your writing and speaking. You can use it to describe complex dynamics, such as 'explosive socio-economic changes' or 'the explosive nature of the debate.' You should be aware of its collocations, such as 'explosive power,' 'explosive force,' and 'explosive issue.' At this level, you can also use the adverb 'explosively' to describe how something happens, like 'The population grew explosively in the 1990s.' You should understand the subtle difference between 'explosive' and 'volatile.' While both imply instability, 'explosive' specifically suggests a singular, powerful release of energy, whereas 'volatile' suggests a state of being likely to change at any time. You might also encounter 'explosive' in more technical contexts, such as 'explosive decompression' in aviation or 'explosive volcanism' in geology. Your ability to use the word in these specific contexts shows a higher level of vocabulary depth. You should also be able to identify the tone of the word—it is often used to create drama or emphasize the severity of a situation in journalism.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, your use of 'explosive' should be sophisticated and context-aware. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'explosive creativity' or 'the explosive potential of a new scientific theory.' You should be able to use it in academic or professional settings to describe rapid shifts in data or public opinion. For example, 'The data suggests an explosive increase in carbon emissions over the last decade.' You should also be familiar with the word's use in literary contexts, where it might describe a character's internal epiphany or the climax of a narrative. At this level, you can use 'explosive' to discuss the ethics of 'explosive materials' or the 'explosive rhetoric' used in political campaigns. You should understand how the word functions as a 'power word' in media and be able to critique its use in 'clickbait' headlines. Your understanding of the word should include its etymology—from the Latin 'explodere,' meaning to hiss a bad actor off the stage—which adds a layer of meaning related to public rejection and loud noise. This depth of knowledge allows you to use the word with precision and flair.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, 'explosive' is a word you use with total mastery, often employing it in highly specific or idiomatic ways. You might use it to describe the 'explosive qualities' of a particular chemical compound in a technical report, or the 'explosive tension' in a diplomatic negotiation with high-level precision. You are aware of the word's historical evolution and how its meaning has shifted from literal physical destruction to metaphorical social and economic impact. You can use it to create vivid imagery in creative writing, perhaps describing an 'explosive sunset' or 'explosive silence'—using the word as a paradox to emphasize the intensity of the quiet. You understand the nuances between 'explosive,' 'fulminating,' 'incendiary,' and 'eruptive,' and you choose the exact word needed for the register and tone of your discourse. In a professional environment, you might analyze 'explosive market trends' with a critical eye, distinguishing between sustainable growth and 'explosive bubbles.' Your command of the word allows you to use it both as a sharp, impactful descriptor and as a subtle hint at underlying instability, demonstrating a native-like grasp of English's expressive potential.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

explosive in 30 Sekunden

Explosive describes things that can explode or happen with sudden, intense force and energy.
It is commonly used for physical bombs, rapid business growth, and unpredictable human tempers.
In journalism, it highlights shocking news or revelations that have a major public impact.
The word functions as an intensifier, suggesting a powerful burst rather than a gradual change.

The word explosive is a dynamic adjective that carries a sense of sudden, high-energy release. At its most literal level, it describes substances or devices capable of causing an explosion, such as dynamite or pressurized gases. However, in everyday English, its metaphorical applications are far more frequent. When we describe a situation as explosive, we are suggesting that it is volatile and could erupt into conflict or change at any moment. This term is a staple in journalism, sports commentary, and psychological descriptions because it perfectly captures the transition from stillness to violent or intense action. Whether it is the explosive growth of a new technology company or the explosive temper of a character in a drama, the word implies a force that cannot be easily contained once it is triggered. It is a word of high stakes and high energy, often used to emphasize the magnitude and speed of an event.

Physical Property: Relating to a sudden release of energy, often involving a loud noise and flying debris. This is the primary scientific definition used in chemistry and engineering.

The demolition crew used explosive charges to bring down the old stadium safely.

Emotional State: Describing a person who is prone to sudden, violent outbursts of anger or passion. It suggests a lack of emotional regulation and a tendency to react strongly to small provocations.

In the context of business and economics, 'explosive' is used to describe rapid and significant increases. For instance, 'explosive growth' is a common collocation used to describe a startup that gains millions of users in a matter of months. This usage highlights the speed and the transformative power of the growth, suggesting that the scale of the change is as dramatic as a physical explosion. Similarly, in sports, an 'explosive athlete' is one who can accelerate or jump with incredible power in a split second. This variety of uses makes 'explosive' one of the most versatile adjectives for describing intensity across different domains of life.

The stock market saw explosive gains following the announcement of the new trade deal.

Social Context: Referring to a situation that is likely to cause strong disagreement or public outcry. It is often paired with words like 'issue,' 'revelation,' or 'evidence.'

The whistleblower provided explosive testimony regarding the company's illegal activities.

The sprinter's explosive start gave him a clear advantage over his competitors.

The tension in the room was explosive, and everyone waited for someone to speak first.

Using 'explosive' correctly requires an understanding of its role as an intensifier. It almost always precedes a noun to modify its quality of speed, power, or volatility. When you use 'explosive,' you are telling the listener that the subject is not just 'fast' or 'angry,' but that its energy is concentrated and released all at once. For example, 'explosive speed' is different from 'constant speed' because it implies a sudden burst from a standstill. In sentence construction, it can be used in both attributive positions (before the noun) and predicative positions (after a linking verb). For instance, 'The news was explosive' (predicative) and 'The explosive news shocked the world' (attributive) are both grammatically correct and common.

Attributive Usage: The word is placed directly before the noun it modifies to define its nature. Example: 'An explosive device was found.'

The documentary made several explosive claims about the former president's business dealings.

Predicative Usage: The word follows a verb like 'is,' 'was,' 'became,' or 'seemed' to describe the subject. Example: 'The situation became explosive.'

After the referee's controversial decision, the atmosphere in the stadium turned explosive.

When describing growth, 'explosive' is often paired with adverbs like 'nearly' or 'potentially' to manage expectations. In scientific writing, it is used with precision to describe chemical reactions. In literature, it is used to describe the climax of a story or a character's internal struggle. The key is to ensure that the noun being modified can realistically support the idea of a 'burst' or 'eruption.' You wouldn't say 'explosive sleep,' but you would say 'explosive laughter' because laughter can happen suddenly and loudly.

The combination of these two chemicals creates an explosive mixture that must be handled with extreme care.

Modifying Abstract Nouns: Used with words like 'potential,' 'energy,' or 'power' to describe latent force. Example: 'The team has explosive potential this season.'

The city has seen explosive population growth over the last decade due to the tech boom.

His explosive reaction to the news surprised even his closest friends.

You will encounter 'explosive' in several distinct environments. In the world of 24-hour news cycles, 'explosive' is a favorite term for breaking stories. News anchors use it to describe revelations that might change the course of an election or a major court case. In sports, particularly American football, basketball, and track and field, commentators use it to describe athletes who have a high degree of 'fast-twitch' muscle fiber, allowing them to move with sudden, overwhelming force. In the business world, financial analysts use it to describe market trends that move upward with unusual speed. If you are watching an action movie, the word will likely appear in the context of special effects or the plot's high-stakes conflict.

News & Media: Used to describe scandals, reports, or testimony that is shocking and impactful. It creates a sense of urgency and importance.

The newspaper published an explosive exposé on corruption within the local government.

Sports Commentary: Used to describe a player's physical ability to generate power quickly. It is a high compliment for a professional athlete.

With his explosive leaping ability, the forward was able to dunk over much taller defenders.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it used to describe a person's personality or a particularly intense argument. If someone says, 'They had an explosive fight,' they mean it was loud, sudden, and perhaps involved a lot of shouting or breaking of things. It is also common in the context of health and diet, where 'explosive' might describe a sudden onset of symptoms or a reaction to a specific food. Finally, in the tech world, 'explosive' describes the viral spread of an app or a social media trend. Understanding these contexts helps you choose the right word to convey intensity.

The startup experienced explosive user growth after a famous celebrity tweeted about their app.

Geopolitics: Used to describe regions or relationships where conflict is imminent. Example: 'The border dispute remains an explosive issue.'

The political climate in the region is explosive, with protests occurring daily.

The volcano's explosive eruption forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing the adjective 'explosive' with the noun 'explosion.' While they are related, they serve different grammatical functions. You cannot say 'The bomb was an explosive' when you mean 'The bomb was an explosion,' although you *can* say 'The bomb was an explosive device.' Another frequent error is using 'explosive' to describe something that is merely 'fast' or 'large.' For something to be explosive, there must be a sense of suddenness and high-pressure release. If a company grows steadily over twenty years, that is not 'explosive growth,' even if the final result is huge. 'Explosive' implies a sharp, steep curve in a short period.

Confusion with 'Exploding': 'Exploding' is the present participle, often used for things currently in the process of bursting. 'Explosive' describes the potential or the nature of the thing.

Incorrect: The exploding growth of the city was amazing. (Better: The explosive growth...)

Overuse as a Synonym for 'Very': Do not use 'explosive' to mean 'very good' or 'very big' unless there is a 'burst' element. 'An explosive pizza' makes no sense unless the pizza literally blows up.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the word's negative versus positive connotations. While 'explosive growth' is usually positive in business, an 'explosive personality' is almost always negative. Context dictates whether the 'explosion' is a good thing (energy, success) or a bad thing (anger, danger). Additionally, be careful with the adverb form 'explosively.' It is used to describe how an action is performed, such as 'He reacted explosively,' but it can sound awkward if used to describe state of being. Stick to the adjective 'explosive' for descriptions of nouns.

Incorrect: He has an explosively temper. (Correct: He has an explosive temper.)

Misusing 'Explosive' for 'Volatile': While similar, 'volatile' implies something that changes frequently, while 'explosive' implies a single, massive burst. A stock market can be volatile without being explosive.

The explosive nature of the debate made it difficult for the moderator to maintain order.

Scientists are studying the explosive force of the supernova that occurred millions of years ago.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several words that share a semantic field with 'explosive,' but each has its own nuance. 'Volatile' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used for situations or personalities that are unstable and likely to change suddenly. However, 'volatile' suggests a state of constant readiness to change, whereas 'explosive' focuses on the event of the change itself. 'Combustible' is another alternative, primarily used in a literal sense for materials that catch fire easily, but metaphorically it describes a situation that is 'ready to burn' or erupt into conflict. 'Eruptive' is more specifically tied to the image of a volcano, used for sudden breakouts of skin rashes or social unrest.

Explosive vs. Volatile: 'Explosive' emphasizes the power and suddenness of the burst. 'Volatile' emphasizes the instability and unpredictability of the state.

While the market is volatile, we don't expect an explosive crash anytime soon.

Explosive vs. Sudden: 'Sudden' is a neutral word for anything that happens quickly. 'Explosive' adds a layer of intensity, noise, or force to that quickness.

The combustible atmosphere in the courtroom suggested that a fight might break out at any moment.

For describing growth, you might use 'meteoric' or 'exponential.' 'Meteoric' implies a very rapid rise (like a meteor), while 'exponential' is a mathematical term for growth that doubles or triples at a constant rate. 'Explosive' remains the most dramatic of these choices. In the context of anger, 'fiery' or 'incendiary' are good alternatives. 'Fiery' suggests a hot, passionate anger, while 'incendiary' is often used for speech or writing that is intended to 'set fire' to a situation—meaning to provoke a strong, often violent, reaction from others.

The politician's incendiary remarks led to an explosive protest outside the capital.

Explosive vs. Meteoric: 'Meteoric' is almost always positive (success). 'Explosive' can be positive (growth) or negative (anger/danger).

The eruptive nature of the disease meant that cases appeared in clusters across the city.

The fulminating debate ended with both parties walking out of the room in frustration.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word originally had nothing to do with bombs. It was about theatrical performance and public disapproval. The sense of 'bursting with a loud noise' didn't develop until the 17th century.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɪkˈspləʊ.sɪv/

US /ɪkˈsploʊ.sɪv/

The stress is on the second syllable: ex-PLOS-ive.

Reimt sich auf

Corrosive Erosive Implosive Plosive Abusive (slant) Conducive (slant) Intrusive (slant) Diffusive

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'x' as 's' (e.g., 'es-plosive').
Stressing the first syllable (e.g., 'EX-plosive').
Making the 's' sound like a 'z' (e.g., 'explo-zive').
Shortening the 'oh' sound in the middle.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in context due to its frequent use in news and media.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires care to use metaphorically without sounding exaggerated.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the stress is mastered.

Hören 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to hear in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Explode Danger Sudden Power Growth

Als Nächstes lernen

Volatile Combustible Incendiary Detonate Eruption

Fortgeschritten

Fulminate Plyometrics Socio-political Volatility Decompression

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Order

A dangerous, explosive device. (Opinion + Property)

Noun-Adjective Conversion

The explosive (noun) was hidden in the explosive (adj) box.

Adverb Formation

The population grew explosively. (Adding -ly to the adjective)

Predicative Adjectives

The situation is explosive. (Following a linking verb)

Compound Adjectives

A highly-explosive compound. (Using a hyphen with an adverb)

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

The big bomb is explosive.

La grosse bombe est explosive.

Adjective following the verb 'is'.

Be careful, that gas is explosive.

Attention, ce gaz est explosif.

Used to describe a dangerous substance.

Fireworks are explosive toys.

Les feux d'artifice sont des jouets explosifs.

Adjective modifying the noun 'toys'.

The red box has explosive things inside.

La boîte rouge contient des choses explosives.

Plural adjective modifying 'things'.

Do not play with explosive materials.

Ne jouez pas avec des matières explosives.

Negative imperative sentence.

Is this liquid explosive?

Ce liquide est-il explosif ?

Interrogative sentence structure.

The truck carries explosive fuel.

Le camion transporte du carburant explosif.

Adjective modifying 'fuel'.

An explosive sound woke me up.

Un son explosif m'a réveillé.

Using 'an' before a word starting with a vowel.

The runner has explosive legs.

Le coureur a des jambes explosives.

Metaphorical use for physical power.

He has an explosive temper when he is tired.

Il a un tempérament explosif quand il est fatigué.

Common collocation 'explosive temper'.

The city saw explosive growth last year.

La ville a connu une croissance explosive l'année dernière.

Describing rapid change.

The movie had an explosive ending.

Le film a eu une fin explosive.

Describing the climax of a story.

She gave an explosive laugh at the joke.

Elle a eu un rire explosif à la blague.

Describing a sudden sound.

The news was explosive for the small town.

La nouvelle a été explosive pour la petite ville.

Predicative adjective.

The volcano is explosive and dangerous.

Le volcan est explosif et dangereux.

Describing a natural phenomenon.

They had an explosive argument about money.

Ils ont eu une dispute explosive au sujet de l'argent.

Describing an intense social interaction.

The journalist uncovered explosive evidence of corruption.

Le journaliste a découvert des preuves explosives de corruption.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

The company's explosive success surprised everyone.

Le succès explosif de l'entreprise a surpris tout le monde.

Describing positive rapid growth.

The political situation in the region is explosive.

La situation politique dans la région est explosive.

Describing a volatile social state.

The athlete's explosive power helped him win the gold medal.

La puissance explosive de l'athlète l'a aidé à gagner la médaille d'or.

Technical use in sports science.

The chemicals formed an explosive mixture.

Les produits chimiques ont formé un mélange explosif.

Literal scientific usage.

The book's explosive first chapter hooked the readers.

Le premier chapitre explosif du livre a accroché les lecteurs.

Describing narrative impact.

The population of the suburb saw explosive growth.

La population de la banlieue a connu une croissance explosive.

Standard collocation for demographics.

His explosive reaction caused a lot of trouble.

Sa réaction explosive a causé beaucoup d'ennuis.

Focusing on the consequences of an action.

The whistleblower's explosive testimony shook the entire industry.

Le témoignage explosif du lanceur d'alerte a ébranlé toute l'industrie.

High-level vocabulary for legal/news contexts.

The new smartphone had an explosive impact on the market.

Le nouveau smartphone a eu un impact explosif sur le marché.

Describing market disruption.

The tension between the two nations reached an explosive point.

La tension entre les deux nations a atteint un point explosif.

Describing a critical threshold.

The dancer's movements were fluid yet explosive.

Les mouvements du danseur étaient fluides mais explosifs.

Using contrast to describe style.

The documentary provided an explosive look at the secret society.

Le documentaire a offert un regard explosif sur la société secrète.

Describing investigative media.

The economy experienced explosive inflation during the war.

L'économie a connu une inflation explosive pendant la guerre.

Economic terminology.

The athlete uses explosive training to improve his vertical jump.

L'athlète utilise un entraînement explosif pour améliorer sa détente verticale.

Specific terminology in fitness.

The explosive nature of the data required a new analysis method.

La nature explosive des données a nécessité une nouvelle méthode d'analyse.

Abstract use in research.

The novel explores the explosive consequences of repressed emotions.

Le roman explore les conséquences explosives des émotions refoulées.

Literary analysis usage.

The socio-political climate was explosive, needing only a spark to ignite.

Le climat socio-politique était explosif, n'attendant qu'une étincelle pour s'enflammer.

Extended metaphor of combustion.

The CEO's explosive departure led to a sharp drop in share prices.

Le départ explosif du PDG a entraîné une chute brutale du cours des actions.

Describing corporate instability.

The artist's work is known for its explosive use of color and texture.

L'œuvre de l'artiste est connue pour son utilisation explosive de la couleur et de la texture.

Aesthetic criticism.

The explosive revelation regarding the treaty changed the diplomatic landscape.

La révélation explosive concernant le traité a changé le paysage diplomatique.

Formal international relations context.

The athlete's explosive acceleration is a result of years of plyometric training.

L'accélération explosive de l'athlète est le résultat d'années d'entraînement pliométrique.

Advanced sports science terminology.

The explosive growth of the internet in the 90s redefined global communication.

La croissance explosive d'Internet dans les années 90 a redéfini la communication mondiale.

Historical/Technological analysis.

The situation was handled poorly, leading to an explosive confrontation.

La situation a été mal gérée, menant à une confrontation explosive.

Describing conflict escalation.

The author's explosive rhetoric served to galvanize the disenfranchised youth.

La rhétorique explosive de l'auteur a servi à galvaniser la jeunesse désabusée.

Describing the power of language.

The explosive decompression of the aircraft cabin was a catastrophic event.

La décompression explosive de la cabine de l'avion a été un événement catastrophique.

Technical engineering/safety term.

The study examines the explosive potential of latent viral reservoirs in the body.

L'étude examine le potentiel explosif des réservoirs viraux latents dans le corps.

Medical/Scientific research context.

The explosive synergy between the two musicians created a legendary performance.

La synergie explosive entre les deux musiciens a créé une performance légendaire.

Describing creative collaboration.

The explosive volatility of the cryptocurrency market deterred many traditional investors.

La volatilité explosive du marché des crypto-monnaies a dissuadé de nombreux investisseurs traditionnels.

Combining two related adjectives for emphasis.

The philosopher argued that the explosive nature of truth can be destructive to social order.

Le philosophe a soutenu que la nature explosive de la vérité peut être destructrice pour l'ordre social.

Abstract philosophical usage.

The explosive development of AI has raised profound ethical questions.

Le développement explosif de l'IA a soulevé de profondes questions éthiques.

Contemporary technological discourse.

The explosive force of the supernova provided the heavy elements necessary for life.

La force explosive de la supernova a fourni les éléments lourds nécessaires à la vie.

Astrophysical context.

Häufige Kollokationen

explosive growth

explosive device

explosive temper

explosive power

explosive situation

explosive revelation

explosive speed

explosive mixture

explosive charge

explosive potential

Häufige Phrasen

explosive start

— A very fast or high-energy beginning to an event or race.

The team had an explosive start to the season, winning five games in a row.

explosive news

— Information that is shocking and likely to cause a big reaction.

The explosive news of the merger sent stock prices soaring.

explosive force

— The physical power released during an explosion or sudden movement.

The explosive force of the wind knocked down several trees.

explosive atmosphere

— A situation where people are very angry and a fight might start.

There was an explosive atmosphere in the meeting room.

explosive material

— Substances that are capable of causing an explosion.

The warehouse was full of explosive material.

explosive reaction

— A sudden and very strong response to something.

The audience had an explosive reaction to the comedian's joke.

explosive development

— A very rapid change or progress in a specific field.

The explosive development of solar energy is helping the environment.

explosive evidence

— Shocking proof that can change the outcome of a trial or investigation.

The lawyer presented explosive evidence that proved his client's innocence.

explosive impact

— A very strong and immediate effect on something.

The new law had an explosive impact on the housing market.

explosive personality

— A person who is unpredictable and prone to sudden outbursts.

He is a great artist but has an explosive personality.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

explosive vs Explosion

'Explosion' is the noun (the event), while 'explosive' is the adjective (the quality) or the substance.

explosive vs Exploding

'Exploding' is an action currently happening; 'explosive' is a permanent or potential quality.

explosive vs Volatile

'Volatile' means likely to change; 'explosive' means likely to burst with force.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"to have an explosive temper"

— To become very angry very quickly and often violently.

Watch what you say to him; he has an explosive temper.

Informal

"an explosive issue"

— A topic that causes a lot of strong disagreement and public debate.

Tax reform is always an explosive issue in politics.

Neutral

"explosive growth"

— Extremely rapid and significant increase in size or number.

The company experienced explosive growth after going public.

Neutral

"to sit on an explosive situation"

— To be in a position where a major conflict is about to happen.

The peacekeepers are sitting on an explosive situation at the border.

Neutral

"explosive revelation"

— A shocking discovery that changes how people see a situation.

The diary contained an explosive revelation about the family's past.

Neutral

"explosive power"

— The ability to produce a lot of force in a very short time.

The boxer is known for his explosive power in his right hook.

Neutral

"explosive start"

— A beginning that is full of energy and immediate success.

The new restaurant had an explosive start, with tables booked for weeks.

Neutral

"explosive mixture"

— A combination of things or people that is likely to cause trouble.

Putting those two rivals in the same room is an explosive mixture.

Neutral

"explosive potential"

— The possibility of something becoming very large or powerful suddenly.

This new technology has explosive potential for the medical field.

Neutral

"explosive force"

— Great energy released suddenly, often used metaphorically for impact.

The book hit the literary world with explosive force.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

explosive vs Implosive

Similar sound and related to energy release.

Explosive energy goes outward; implosive energy goes inward. Think of a building being demolished vs. a bomb blowing it up.

The old television tube had an implosive collapse.

explosive vs Incendiary

Both relate to fire and danger.

Explosive relates to pressure and bursting; incendiary relates to starting fires and heat.

The bomb was explosive, but the speech was incendiary.

explosive vs Plosive

Linguistic term with a similar root.

A plosive is a type of consonant sound (like 'p' or 'b') made by stopping airflow. It has nothing to do with bombs.

The letter 'P' is a voiceless plosive.

explosive vs Fulminating

Both describe sudden, intense reactions.

Fulminating is more formal and often refers specifically to verbal attacks or severe medical symptoms.

He was fulminating against the government's new tax.

explosive vs Combustible

Both describe materials that can react dangerously.

Combustible means it can burn; explosive means it can burst under pressure.

Wood is combustible, but dynamite is explosive.

Satzmuster

The [Noun] is explosive.

The bomb is explosive.

He has an explosive [Noun].

He has an explosive temper.

The [Noun] saw explosive [Noun].

The city saw explosive growth.

The [Noun] was [Adverb] explosive.

The situation was potentially explosive.

An explosive [Noun] regarding [Topic].

An explosive revelation regarding the scandal.

The explosive [Noun] of [Abstract Concept].

The explosive decompression of the cabin.

There was an explosive [Noun] between [People].

There was an explosive argument between the brothers.

With explosive [Noun], the [Subject] [Verb].

With explosive power, the athlete jumped.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in news, sports, and business; less common in casual everyday chat unless describing anger.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'explosive' as a verb. → The bomb exploded.
'Explosive' is an adjective or noun. The verb form is 'explode'. You cannot say 'The bomb explosived'.
Saying 'an explosion growth'. → An explosive growth.
You must use the adjective form 'explosive' to modify the noun 'growth'. 'Explosion' is a noun and cannot modify another noun in this way.
Using 'explosive' for slow changes. → Steady growth.
'Explosive' implies a sudden and violent burst. If something takes 10 years to happen, it is not explosive.
Mispronouncing the stress. → ex-PLOS-ive
Many learners stress the first syllable 'EX-plosive', but the stress should be on the second syllable.
Using 'explosive' to mean 'very good' in all contexts. → That was a great meal.
While 'explosive' can be slang for 'exciting', it sounds strange to use it for things like food or weather unless they are literally bursting.

Tipps

Pair with Growth

If you are writing about a successful business, use 'explosive growth' to sound more professional and descriptive than just 'fast growth'.

Adjective vs Noun

Remember that 'explosive' is usually an adjective. If you mean the thing that blows up, you can use it as a noun, but 'explosion' is more common for the event itself.

Use for Impact

Save 'explosive' for truly dramatic events. If you use it for small things, it loses its power and can sound like an exaggeration.

Stress the Middle

Always put the emphasis on the 'PLOS' part of the word. This is the most important part for being understood by native speakers.

News Style

In journalism, 'explosive' is often used for scandals. If you are writing a story about a secret being found out, this is the perfect word.

Warning Signs

Always take the word 'explosive' seriously on labels. It means the product can be very dangerous if it gets too hot or is dropped.

Athletic Praise

Use 'explosive' to describe a player who is very fast off the mark. It is one of the best compliments you can give a sprinter or a football player.

Political Tension

When describing a fight between countries, 'explosive' suggests that war is very close. It is a very serious word in this context.

Switch to Volatile

If you want to describe something that changes a lot but doesn't necessarily 'burst,' use 'volatile' instead of 'explosive'.

Think of a Pop

Think of a balloon popping. It is sudden, loud, and releases energy. That is the essence of 'explosive'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'EX-PLOS-IVE'. 'EX' like 'Exit' (going out), 'PLOS' like 'Plus' (more energy), 'IVE' like 'Active'. Energy going out actively and suddenly.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a stick of dynamite with a lit fuse. The red color and the spark represent the 'explosive' nature of the word.

Word Web

Bomb Anger Growth Sudden Power Danger Shocking Fast

Herausforderung

Try to use 'explosive' in three different ways today: once for a person, once for a news story, and once for a physical object.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin verb 'explodere,' which means 'to drive out by clapping.' In ancient Roman theaters, if an actor was bad, the audience would clap loudly to hiss them off the stage.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To drive out or reject with loud noise.

Italic -> Latin -> French -> English.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'explosive' near airports or high-security areas, as it can cause alarm even if used metaphorically.

Commonly used in 'Breaking News' segments to create a sense of urgency.

The 'Explosive' series of action movies. Scientific reports on 'Explosive Volcanism'. Business books on 'Explosive Growth' strategies.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Chemistry/Science

Explosive reaction
Explosive limit
Explosive mixture
Explosive properties

Business/Economics

Explosive growth
Explosive demand
Explosive market
Explosive increase

News/Politics

Explosive revelation
Explosive testimony
Explosive situation
Explosive issue

Sports

Explosive power
Explosive speed
Explosive start
Explosive athlete

Psychology/Personality

Explosive temper
Explosive personality
Explosive outburst
Explosive anger

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you ever seen an explosive growth in a company you follow?"

"Do you think social media makes political issues more explosive?"

"What is the most explosive news story you've heard recently?"

"How do you deal with someone who has an explosive temper?"

"Do you prefer explosive action movies or slow-paced dramas?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you witnessed an explosive reaction from someone. How did it make you feel?

Write about a technology that you think will see explosive growth in the next ten years.

Reflect on a situation in your life that felt explosive. What caused the tension to build up?

If you could have one explosive talent (like speed or power), what would it be and why?

Analyze a news headline that used the word 'explosive'. Was it accurate or just clickbait?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'explosive' can be a noun referring to a substance that can explode, like TNT or gunpowder. For example, 'The police seized a large quantity of explosives.' In this case, it is a countable noun.

It is a common business term for very fast and significant increase in size, users, or profit. It implies that the growth happened much faster than expected, like an explosion. For example, 'The app saw explosive growth after its launch.'

No, it depends on the context. 'Explosive growth' and 'explosive power' in sports are usually positive. However, 'explosive temper' or an 'explosive situation' in politics are usually negative.

Volatile means something is unstable and changes often. Explosive means something has the power to burst or change suddenly with great force. A market can be volatile (going up and down) without being explosive (suddenly jumping or crashing).

It is pronounced ik-SPLOH-siv. The stress is on the second syllable. Make sure the 's' sound at the end is soft, not like a 'z'.

Yes, but usually to describe their temper or personality. It means they get angry very quickly and loudly. It is not usually a compliment unless you are talking about their athletic ability.

Common synonyms include volatile, combustible, eruptive, and sudden. For growth, you can use meteoric or exponential. For anger, you can use fiery.

Yes, it is generally considered a B1 level word because it is common in news and everyday descriptions of people and business, but it has more complex metaphorical uses.

It means a new piece of information that is very shocking and likely to cause a lot of trouble or change people's opinions. It is a favorite phrase in journalism.

It refers to the ability to exert maximum force in the shortest possible time. Exercises like jumping or sprinting are used to build explosive power.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen