explosive
Loading your saved state.
explosive
Having the property of being able to explode or cause an explosion. Refers to substances or objects that react very sensitively to ignition, pressure, or impact.
Der Umgang mit explosivem Material erfordert höchste Sicherheitsvorkehrungen.
Handling explosive material requires the highest safety precautions.
The adjective 'explosiv' (explosive) belongs to the word family of 'die Explosion' (explosion, noun) and 'explodieren' (to explode, verb). If you know one word from this family, you can understand the others more easily.
Die Feuerwehr warnte vor der Gefahr einer Explosion.
The fire department warned of the danger of an explosion.
In its literal meaning, 'explosiv' (explosive) is often combined with nouns that describe chemical substances. Typical phrases are 'explosive Stoffe' (explosive substances), 'explosives Material' (explosive material), or an 'explosives Gasgemisch' (explosive gas mixture).
Feuerwerk enthält explosive Stoffe und muss vorsichtig behandelt werden.
Fireworks contain explosive substances and must be handled carefully.
In the figurative sense, the word describes a tense situation. Common combinations are 'eine explosive Stimmung' (an explosive mood), 'eine explosive Lage' (an explosive situation), or 'eine explosive Atmosphäre' (an explosive atmosphere).
Nach der umstrittenen Entscheidung war die Stimmung im Team explosiv.
After the controversial decision, the mood in the team was explosive.
This figurative meaning is often used for rapid developments, usually involving numbers or data. Typical phrases are 'ein explosiver Anstieg' (an explosive increase), 'eine explosive Zunahme' (an explosive rise), or 'explosives Wachstum' (explosive growth).
Die Nachfrage nach den neuen Smartphones ist explosiv gestiegen.
Demand for the new smartphones has risen explosively.
To describe a person with a hot-tempered character, 'explosiv' (explosive) is often combined with 'Temperament' (temperament) or 'Charakter' (character). People then speak of an 'explosiven Temperament' (explosive temperament).
Wegen seines explosiven Temperaments hat er oft Streit mit Kollegen.
Because of his explosive temperament, he often argues with colleagues.
critical
'kritisch' and 'explosiv' can both describe a dangerous or very tense situation. 'kritisch' says in general that the situation is serious and could take a turn for the worse. 'explosiv' is more figurative and stronger: it sounds as if the situation could suddenly escalate, for example in an argument or conflict. Learners may confuse the words because both point to danger. 'kritisch' fits many serious situations, including factual or medical ones. 'explosiv' fits especially when there is a lot of tension and a sudden outburst seems possible.
Nach den Vorwürfen war die Stimmung im Team explosiv.
After the accusations, the mood in the team was explosive.
Vor dem letzten Spiel ist die Lage für den Verein kritisch, weil mehrere Spieler verletzt sind.
Before the final game, the situation is critical for the club because several players are injured.