Understanding the Word Combustible and Its Synonym

The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the word "COMBUSTIBLE" from the given options. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Defining Combustible

The word "combustible" describes something that is able to catch fire and burn easily. Think about materials like wood, paper, or gasoline; they are all combustible.

Analyzing the Options for Combustible Synonym

Let's look at each option provided and determine its meaning:

• Option 1: fragile
  Fragile means easily broken or damaged. This is not related to something catching fire.
• Option 2: inflammable
  Inflammable means easily set on fire. This word can sometimes be confusing because it sounds like it might mean "not flammable," but it actually means the same thing as "flammable" and "combustible."
• Option 3: unbreakable
  Unbreakable means unable to be broken. This is the opposite of fragile and has nothing to do with catching fire.
• Option 4: non-flammable
  Non-flammable means not able to catch fire easily, if at all. This is the opposite of combustible.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym

Based on the definitions, the word that means "able to catch fire and burn easily" is "inflammable". Therefore, "inflammable" is the most appropriate synonym for "combustible".

Why Inflammable is the Correct Synonym for Combustible

The terms "combustible" and "inflammable" both describe materials that ignite easily and burn rapidly. While "flammable" is also a common synonym, "inflammable" is specifically given as an option and shares the core meaning of being easily set on fire, making it the correct synonym for "combustible" in this context.

Comparing the meanings, "inflammable" is the word that most closely matches the meaning of "combustible".

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Additional Information: Understanding Flammable vs. Inflammable

There is a common misconception that "inflammable" means "not flammable." However, this is incorrect. Both "flammable" and "inflammable" mean that something is capable of burning or igniting easily. The prefix "in-" in "inflammable" does not function as a negative prefix like it does in words such as "invisible" (not visible) or "incapable" (not capable). Instead, it comes from the Latin word "inflammare," meaning "to ignite."

Because this confusion can lead to safety risks (people might think "inflammable" means safe near fire), the word "flammable" is often preferred in safety contexts and regulations to avoid ambiguity. However, in general vocabulary, "inflammable" remains a correct synonym for "flammable" and "combustible."