Definition

Adverb: 1. In an explosive manner: In a way that is sudden, violent, and often loud, like an explosion. It describes a rapid, forceful, and dramatic release of energy, emotion, or growth. 2. Suddenly and rapidly: With a very fast and often unexpected increase or onset.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a sudden, violent, or forceful action or event:
  • The volcano erupted explosively, sending ash miles into the sky.
  • He laughed explosively, startling everyone in the quiet room.
  • The argument ended explosively with a slammed door.
• Describing rapid and dramatic growth or increase:
  • The demand for the new product grew explosively.
  • The political situation in Kashmir and Jammu is explosively unstable.
  • The population in Central America is growing explosively.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use for Emotions: Often used to describe emotions that are released with sudden, uncontrolled force.
  • His temper flared explosively when he heard the news.
• Scientific/Technical Context: Used to describe chemical or physical reactions characterized by a rapid expansion of gases.
  • The compound decomposes explosively when heated.

Variants and Related Words

• Explosive (Adjective): Having the nature of an explosion; likely to explode.
  • an explosive device; an explosive temper
• Explosion (Noun): A violent and destructive shattering or blowing apart of something; a sudden, dramatic increase.
  • a gas explosion; a population explosion

Synonyms

• Violently: With great physical force.
• Suddenly: Quickly and unexpectedly.
• Rapidly: At a great speed; quickly.
• Dramatically: In a striking and noticeable way.

Antonyms

• Gradually: In a slow, step-by-step manner.
• Slowly: At a low speed; not quickly.
• Gently: In a mild, soft, or careful manner.

Adverb

1. in an explosive manner
   • the political situation in Kashmir and Jammu is explosively unstable
2. suddenly and rapidly
   • the population in Central America is growing explosively