explosive
gb/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/ us/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
B1
English
~ 5000
robbanékony, robbanásveszélyes, robbanóanyag, lobbanékony, heves
B1
1
robbanékony
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is explosive
The factory stored highly explosive chemicals.
A gyárban rendkívül robbanékony vegyszereket tároltak.
This gas is explosive when mixed with air.
Ez a gáz levegővel keveredve robbanékony.
They handled the explosive material with extreme care.
Learner examples
The bomb was explosive.
A bomba robbanásveszélyes volt.
Gasoline is explosive.
A benzin robbanásveszélyes.
That powder is explosive.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'explosive' with 'exploding', using it for something that has already exploded rather than something that can explode.
Meaning
Able to blow up easily
Collocations
explosive device
|explosive material
|explosive gas
|highly explosive
Synonyms
combustible (Suggests the ability to catch fire but not necessarily explode.)
Antonyms
stable (Not likely to change suddenly or explode.)
Themes
science
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Able to blow up or burst suddenly.
Able or likely to burst or cause an explosion due to pressure, heat, or chemical reaction.
NOUN
B1
2
robbanóanyag
B2
Usage pattern:
use [an] explosive to [do something]
The miners used explosives to break through the rock.
A bányászok robbanóanyagot használtak, hogy áttörjék a sziklát.
Police found explosives hidden in the vehicle.
A rendőrség a járműben elrejtett robbanóanyagot talált.
Dynamite is a common type of explosive.
Learner examples
They used explosives to open the tunnel.
Robbanóanyagot használtak, hogy megnyissák az alagutat.
The police found explosives in the bag.
A rendőrség robbanóanyagot talált a táskában.
Dynamite is an explosive.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'explosive' as a noun with 'explosion', which is the event of blowing up.
Meaning
Substance that can blow up
Collocations
plastic explosive
|military explosives
|handle explosives
Synonyms
bomb (A specific device containing explosives, not the substance itself.)
Antonyms
inert material (Material that does not react or explode.)
Themes
science
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A thing, like a bomb or powder, that can blow up.
A chemical or material that can cause an explosion when triggered.
B2
3
lobbanékony
B2
heves
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is explosive
He has an explosive temper when provoked.
Ha provokálják, lobbanékony természetű.
The meeting ended in an explosive argument.
A megbeszélés heves vitába torkollott.
The political situation became explosive after the announcement.
Learner examples
She has an explosive temper.
Lobbanékony természetű.
The fight was explosive.
A verekedés nagyon heves volt.
The room was full of explosive anger.
Common mistake:
Learners may mix this meaning with the physical sense of 'able to explode', but here it refers to emotions or behavior.
Meaning
Likely to react suddenly and strongly
Collocations
explosive temper
|explosive situation
|explosive argument
Synonyms
volatile (Often used for people or situations that change mood suddenly.)
Antonyms
calm (Not showing sudden strong emotion or reaction.)
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Quick to get angry or show strong feelings suddenly.
Likely to cause or display sudden strong emotion, anger, or violence.
Grammar
Dictionary form
explosive
IPA
GB/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
US/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
Syllables & stress
ex - plos - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (plos)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: explosive
Noun
- Base: explosive
- Plural: explosives
Word family
Forms
explosives
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
non-explosive
adjective
Advanced or less common
explosiveness
noun
Expressions
explosive device
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv dɪvˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
technical
Object made to explode and harm
A bomb or similar object made to blow up and cause harm.
Examples
- The army discovered an explosive device near the border.
- Police safely removed the explosive device from the building.
explosive growth
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Very fast increase or expansion
A very fast and large increase in something.
Examples
- The company experienced explosive growth after launching its new product.
- There has been explosive growth in smartphone use over the past decade.
explosive situation
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv sˌɪt͡ʃuˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Situation likely to erupt suddenly
A situation that could quickly turn into a fight or trouble.
Examples
- The negotiations created an explosive situation between the two sides.
- It was an explosive situation, and everyone was tense.