combustible
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/
KK: /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/
adjective
Definition
Able to catch fire and burn easily.
Example
The materials used in the construction were highly combustible, posing a fire risk.
Conversation
Did you know that some materials are combustible?
Really? I always thought everything could just burn.
Yeah, it's important to be careful with combustible items around a fire.
Definitely! I should check what I have in the garage.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flammable
ignitable
volatile
Antonyms
incombustible
nonflammable
safe
noun
Definition
A material that can easily catch fire and burn.
Example
Wood is a common combustible used for making fires.
Conversation
Did you know that gasoline is a type of combustible material?
Yeah, I've heard that it can easily catch fire if you're not careful.
Exactly! It's important to store combustible items safely.
Root Explanation
Combustible → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "bustible" (from Latin "combustibilis", meaning able to be burned). The word "combustible" refers to something that can easily catch fire and burn.
Memory Tip
Think of something that can be 'burned' ('bustible') when it is 'together' ('com-') with fire — that's why combustible means it can catch fire.
Visually Confused Words
uncombustible
incombustible
noncombustible
comestible
autocombustible
incombustibly