explain , you always use to : ‘Let me explain the problem (to you) again.’ ‘She then explained (to me) how I could make my own shampoo.’ explode The hijackers threatened to explode the plane.
The hijackers threatened to blow up the plane. People blow up buildings, planes etc. Bombs, fuel tanks etc explode . Compare: ‘They had planned to blow up the bridge but their bombs failed to explode.’ expose His paintings have been exposed in art galleries all over the world.
His paintings have been exhibited in art galleries all over the world. expose = let something be seen, especially something that is usually hidden: ‘He undid his shirt to expose a white hairless chest.’ display/exhibit a work of art: ‘The gallery exhibits mainly contemporary sculpture and photography.’ extinguish Many species are becoming extinguished.
Many species are becoming extinct. extinguish = make something stop burning: ‘Before entering the factory, please make sure that all cigarettes have been properly extinguished.’ extinct = (of a type of animal or plant) completely non-existent, because every single one has died or been killed: ‘If nothing is done to save the whales now, the species will soon become extinct.’ extreme Since he stopped smoking, there has been an extreme improvement in his health.
Since he stopped smoking, there has been a dramatic improvement in his health. Doctors have to keep up with all the extreme new medical developments.
Doctors have to keep up with all the major new medical developments. Extreme is mainly used to describe situations, behaviour, opinions and beliefs: ‘extreme poverty’, ‘extreme caution’, ‘extreme views’, ‘extreme disappointment’. When you are talking about a change or development, use words such as
