explosively
UK[ɪkˈspləʊsɪvli]US[ɪkˈsploʊsɪvli]
adv
in a manner characterized by a sudden and violent release of energy
adv
in a manner involving a sudden, rapid, or dramatic increase
adv
in a manner expressing strong or violent emotion
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
plos
ively
ex
out
plos
to clap, to strike
ively
in a manner of
Etymology
the adverb "explosively" is built upon the adjective "explosive," which finds its origin in the latin verb "explodere." this verb was a theatrical term meaning "to drive off the stage by clapping," composed of "ex-" (out) and "plaudere" (to clap). over time, the meaning shifted from the metaphorical "driving out with noise" to the physical "bursting out with violence and loud noise." the suffix "-ive" forms the adjective denoting a tendency or capacity, and the addition of "-ly" converts it into an adverb, describing an action performed in a sudden, violent, and outward manner.
Analysis
Structure: ex + plos + ively
- ex: latin origin, a prefix meaning "out" or "forth".
- plos: from latin "plosus", a combining form related to "plaudere" meaning "to clap, to strike".
- ively: english suffix, a combination of -ive (forming adjectives) and -ly (forming adverbs), meaning "in a manner of".
Examples
the chemical reacted explosively when mixed with water.
the population in the region has grown explosively in the last decade.
he argued explosively, unable to contain his frustration.