説明中心

volatile

[ˈvɒlətaɪl]

volatile Definition

  • 1liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse
  • 2evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures
  • 3liable to lead to sudden change or violence

Using volatile: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "volatile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The stock market can be quite volatile.

  • Example

    She had a volatile temper and would often lash out at others.

  • Example

    Gasoline is a volatile substance that should be handled with care.

  • Example

    The political situation in the country is becoming increasingly volatile.

volatile Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for volatile

Idioms Using volatile

  • to take risks or engage in dangerous or unpredictable behavior

    Example

    He always liked to walk on the volatile side, taking risks and living life to the fullest.

  • to do something that is likely to cause a sudden and violent reaction

    Example

    His comments about the controversial issue were enough to light the volatile fuse and start a heated argument.

  • extremely nervous, agitated, or restless

    Example

    She was as volatile as a cat on a hot tin roof, unable to sit still or relax for even a moment.

Phrases with volatile

  • a relationship that is characterized by frequent and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

    Example

    Their volatile relationship was marked by intense arguments followed by passionate reconciliations.

  • computer memory that requires power to maintain stored data, and loses its contents when the power is turned off

    Example

    RAM is an example of volatile memory.

  • an organic chemical compound that has a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature

    Example

    Paints and solvents often contain volatile organic compounds.

Origins of volatile

from Latin 'volatilis', meaning 'fleeting'

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Summary: volatile in Brief

The term 'volatile' [ˈvɒlətaɪl] refers to something that is liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, often for the worse. It can describe a person's mood or behavior, as in 'She had a volatile temper,' or a substance that evaporates easily, like gasoline. Phrases like 'volatile relationship' and idioms like 'walk on the volatile side' suggest risk and unpredictability.

How do native speakers use this expression?