dynamite
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a powerful substance used for blowing up rocks or buildings.
n.a high explosive consisting of nitroglycerine mixed with an absorbent material. Usually uncountable in this sense.
Simple“The construction crew used dynamite to clear a path through the mountain for the new road.”
In context“The engineers calculated the exact amount of dynamite required to collapse the derelict cooling tower without damaging the adjacent power station.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.something that is very exciting, impressive, or potentially dangerous.
n.a person, event, or piece of information likely to cause a major reaction or excitement. Informal and figurative in use.
Simple“The new evidence in the trial is absolute dynamite and could change everything.”
In context“The journalist knew the leaked documents were political dynamite, capable of toppling the administration if published before the election.”
UsageOften used with the verb 'to be'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.extremely good, exciting, or impressive.
adj.denoting something exceptionally effective, exciting, or aesthetically pleasing. Predominantly informal register.
Simple“The band gave a dynamite performance that had the whole crowd dancing.”
In context“The marketing team delivered a dynamite presentation that secured the contract despite stiff competition from larger agencies.”
Coined by Alfred Nobel in 1867. Ultimately from Ancient Greek δύναμις (dúnamis, “power”) + -ite, most likely under the influence of dynamo or dynamic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.