Combustible

Meaning

Capable of catching fire and burning easily; also used figuratively for a volatile situation

Origin / Etymology

Latin combustibilis from comburere (to burn up)

Synonyms

Flammable Inflammable Volatile

Antonyms

Fireproof Non-flammable Inert

Example Sentence

"Reduced snowfall has exposed subalpine vegetation to drier conditions for longer periods, converting what was once a fire-resistant zone into combustible terrain."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use literally in environment answers on forest fires and climate change, or figuratively in essays on social tensions, 'a combustible mix of unemployment and inequality.'

Relevant Subjects

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