What is explode? Pronunciation and usage in English

explode means . Learn how to pronounce and use explode through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of explode

explodeverb

/ɪkˈspləʊd//ɛkˈspləʊd/
Definition & pronunciation of explode

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "explode" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /ɪkˈsploʊd/

2. Syllable Breakdown & Sounds:

  • ik: (Like "ick") - Short "i" sound, as in "it."
  • spl: (Like "spl") - As in "split"
  • ode: (Like "oh-duh") - This is the trickiest part! It's a diphthong – a sound that glides from one vowel to another. Think of it as starting with the "oh" sound but ending with a slightly "duh" sound. It's similar to the “o” in “code” or “node.”

3. Putting it together (with emphasis):

Say it slowly: "Ih-k spl-oh-duh"

Then build up the speed: "Ih-k-splode"

Tips for getting it right:

  • The “ode” sound is key: Really focus on making that glide from “oh” to “duh.” Don’t just say “oh.”
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "splode."
  • Don’t say “ex”: The "ex" isn't pronounced in the way you might think. It’s more of a prefix, and the focus is on the "explode" part.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you an example sentence using "explode" to hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word explode in English

Let's break down how to use the word "explode" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word with quite a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized with examples:

1. Literal Explosion (Physical)

  • Meaning: This is the most straightforward – a sudden, violent release of energy, often involving a rapid expansion.
  • Examples:
    • "The bomb exploded with a deafening roar."
    • "The volcano exploded, sending ash and lava into the sky."
    • "The tire exploded on the highway."

2. Figurative – Sudden Increase/Burst (Emotional, Popular, etc.)

This is where "explode" gets really interesting. It usually describes something suddenly becoming very large, intense, or energetic.

  • a) Emotions/Feelings: This is a very common use.

    • "She exploded in tears when she heard the news." (Meaning: She suddenly and intensely cried)
    • "He exploded with anger when his car was scratched." (Meaning: He suddenly and intensely became angry)
    • "My frustration started to explode." (Meaning: My frustration quickly became overwhelming.)

  • b) Popularity/Interest:

    • "The song exploded onto the charts." (Meaning: It gained immense popularity very quickly)
    • “The new product exploded in sales.” (Meaning: Sales soared rapidly.)
    • "His book exploded in the media." (Meaning: It received a huge amount of attention.)

  • c) Growth/Expansion (Business, Population, etc.):

    • "The company experienced rapid growth and nearly exploded with new employees." (Meaning: Grew very quickly)
    • "The city is exploding with new construction." (Meaning: Growing rapidly due to building)
    • "The population exploded after the discovery of oil." (Meaning: Grew rapidly due to increased opportunity)

  • d) Problems/Difficulties:

    • “The situation exploded into a full-blown crisis.” (Meaning: the situation quickly became a major problem)

3. To Burst Open/Split Open

  • Meaning: This refers to something physically breaking apart suddenly
  • Examples:
    • "The bubble exploded when I poked it."
    • "The egg exploded in the pan."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Emphasis on Suddenness: "Explode" implies a sudden and often overwhelming change. It’s stronger than simply “increase” or “become popular.”
  • Figurative Context: When you don't mean a literal explosion, you’ll almost always be using “explode” figuratively.
  • Tone: “Explode” can sometimes have a slightly dramatic or negative connotation. It suggests intensity, often bordering on chaos or frustration.

Synonyms (depending on the context):

  • Burst: (more common in many situations) – "She burst into tears."
  • Blow up: (very common, often used for something that becomes popular) – "The party exploded with excitement."
  • Go off: (informal, often used for emotions) - “He went off at me!”
  • Spill over: (for growth or spreading) – "The good news spilled over to other departments."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you're thinking about using "explode" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a situation, giving a presentation?)
  • What specific meaning are you trying to convey? (e.g., emotions, popularity, growth, a physical explosion?)

Synonyms for the word explode

Practice with vocabulary explode

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The population of the city is expected to ______ over the next decade due to rapid urbanization.
  2. During the heated debate, the senator's anger seemed to ______ as he pounded the table.
  3. New data revealed that the company's market share did not ______ as projected, but rather saw a gradual increase.
  4. The old, abandoned building began to ______ under the weight of heavy snow, eventually collapsing completely.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After days of intense negotiations, the fragile peace agreement was in danger of causing the entire process to ______. a) unravel b) burst c) explode d) dissolve

  2. New evidence could ______ the long-held theory about the universe's origin. a) confirm b) validate c) disprove d) explode

  3. The pressure inside the industrial pipe was so immense that engineers feared it might ______ at any moment. a) burst b) implode c) ignite d) explode

  4. His frustration finally caused him to ______ during the team meeting, startling everyone. a) burst b) erupt c) calm down d) explode

  5. The company aims to ______ its operations into several new international markets next year, significantly increasing its global footprint. a) expand b) shrink c) condense d) extend

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The number of active users for the new app dramatically increased in the first week. (Rewrite using a form of "explode")
  2. There was a sudden and violent discharge of energy when the old power transformer failed. (Rewrite using a form of "explode")
  3. The old, unmaintained structure came down suddenly, turning into a pile of rubble. (Rewrite using a word other than "explode")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. explode
  2. explode
  3. increase
  4. collapse

Exercise 2:

  1. a) unravel, c) explode, d) dissolve
  2. c) disprove, d) explode
  3. a) burst, d) explode
  4. a) burst, b) erupt, d) explode
  5. a) expand, d) extend

Exercise 3:

  1. The number of active users for the new app exploded in the first week.
  2. There was a sudden explosion of energy when the old power transformer failed.
  3. The old, unmaintained structure collapsed suddenly, turning into a pile of rubble.

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