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explosively

C1
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɛksplˈəʊsɪvli/

US

  • /ˌɛksˈploʊsɪvli/

Description

"Explosively" describes something that happens with the sudden force of an explosion, or with very fast, powerful growth or change. Sometimes the meaning is literal, as when something bursts apart explosively. Often it is figurative. A business may grow explosively, a crowd may react explosively, or anger may rise explosively in a tense moment. The word adds a feeling of speed, force, and sudden release.

Examples

  1. 1

    Chemical reaction

    Some cleaning products can react explosively if you mix them.

  2. 2

    Fire spread

    The fire spread explosively through the dry grass.

  3. 3

    Business growth

    The startup grew explosively after a famous athlete mentioned it online.

  4. 4

    Angry response

    He responded explosively when his manager questioned the numbers.

  5. 5

    Political tension

    Tensions between the two groups rose explosively after the election results.

See also

adverbin a sudden, violent, or forceful way

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • explosively angry
  • react explosively
  • grow explosively
  • erupt explosively

Word family

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • explosivelyadverb