B2 adjective Neutral

blast

/blæst/

Describes something relating to a sudden, forceful explosion or a powerful, localized stream of air or fluid. In academic and technical contexts, it often refers to the physical impact of a detonation or, in biology, to undifferentiated cells at an early stage of development.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.

The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.

2

The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.

The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.

3

We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.

We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.

Word Family

Noun
blast
Verb
blast
Adverb
blastingly
Adjective
blasted
Related
blaster
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Blast' as 'Big Loud Air Sounding Tough.' It always involves a sudden release of energy or air.

Quick Quiz

Scientists measured the pressure of the _____ wave immediately following the controlled explosion.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blast

Examples

1

The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.

everyday

The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.

2

The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.

formal

The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.

3

We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.

informal

We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.

4

The study analyzes the differentiation of the blast cell in bone marrow samples.

academic

The study analyzes the differentiation of the blast cell in bone marrow samples.

5

Our marketing team decided on a blast email strategy to reach all subscribers at once.

business

Our marketing team decided on a blast email strategy to reach all subscribers at once.

Word Family

Noun
blast
Verb
blast
Adverb
blastingly
Adjective
blasted
Related
blaster

Common Collocations

blast wave blast wave
blast furnace blast furnace
blast radius blast radius
blast cell blast cell
blast effect blast effect

Common Phrases

at full blast

at maximum power or volume

blast from the past

something that reminds you of the past

have a blast

to have a great time

Often Confused With

blast vs burst

A blast is typically a forced explosion or gust outward, while a burst often implies a container breaking open from internal pressure.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective (attributive), 'blast' is placed immediately before the noun it modifies (e.g., blast zone). It is rarely used as a predicative adjective (e.g., you wouldn't say 'the wind was blast').

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the noun form 'blast' when they should use the past participle 'blasted' to describe something that has been destroyed.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Blast' as 'Big Loud Air Sounding Tough.' It always involves a sudden release of energy or air.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'blæst', meaning a blowing or a breeze, related to the German 'blasen' (to blow).

Grammar Patterns

Used attributively (before a noun) Non-gradable (usually does not take 'very' or 'more') Invariable form in adjective usage
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Cultural Context

In American culture, 'having a blast' is a very common idiomatic way to express enjoyment at a social event.

Quick Quiz

Scientists measured the pressure of the _____ wave immediately following the controlled explosion.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blast

Related Words

bluster

C1

Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.

bogus

C1

Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.

boisterous

C1

Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.

bombard

C1

To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.

adverse

C1

Adverse describes conditions, effects, or events that are harmful, unfavorable, or contrary to one's interests or success. It is most commonly used in formal, technical, or medical contexts to indicate that something is working against a desired outcome.

bombastic

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.

bondage

C1

Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.

boon

C1

A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.

boorish

C1

Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.

bootstrap

C1

To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.

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