volatile

Everyday

1. In science, a volatile liquid turns into a gas (evaporates) very easily, like petrol or nail-polish remover. tree →
2. A volatile situation can change suddenly and become dangerous or violent. tree →
3. A volatile person has sudden changes of mood and loses their temper easily. tree →
4. (money) Volatile prices go up and down quickly and unpredictably. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on evaporation and safety, volatile liquids must be kept closed and away from flames, because their gas can catch fire. In news and history, «a volatile region» is one where fighting may start. In money lessons, volatile prices (fuel, crypto, shares) are risky. Phrases: «highly volatile», «a volatile situation», «volatile temper», «volatile prices».

Examples

• Petrol is volatile, so its smell spreads quickly. tree →
• Keep volatile liquids away from flames. tree →
• The situation at the border is volatile. tree →
• The giant in the story had a volatile temper. tree →
• Fuel prices have been volatile this year. tree →
• Nail-polish remover is volatile and evaporates fast. tree →

Note

Say «VOL-a-tile» (UK, rhymes with «tile») or «VOL-a-tul» (US). Volatile does not mean «poisonous» or «explosive» by itself, though many volatile liquids are flammable. Opposite (science): non-volatile, stable; (person): calm, steady.