French Conversation · Level 20
90 words
French word
explosion
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛksplozjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nounexplosion
Example
Il y a eu une explosion de joie.
There was an explosion of joy.
More examples
Il y a une explosion des prix cet été.
There is a surge in prices this summer.
Core concept
Energy breaks suddenly from one point and spreads outward, while an abstract quantity can rise just as sharply.
Common phrases
une explosion des prix
a surge in prices
une explosion démographique
a population explosion
une explosion de cas
a surge in cases
Similar words
bond: A sharp rise that happens in a short time.
poussée: A short-lived strengthening of force or momentum.
pic: A temporary highest level reached by an amount or value.
hausse: A rise in the amount or price of something.
Definition in French
Désigne une déflagration ou un jaillissement soudain d'énergie; au figuré, désigne une progression ou une augmentation très rapide.
Word origin
The noun derives from Latin explosio and explodere, originally associated with clapping someone off a stage before developing meanings of violent bursting and rapid increase.
Usage tips
- For a rapid increase, French uses une explosion de ventes, while les ventes explosent uses the related verb instead of the noun construction.