Downpour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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downpour

[ˈdaʊnpɔːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

heavy rain

A downpour is a heavy fall of rain that often happens suddenly and unexpectedly. It is characterized by a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time, causing flooding and potential damage.

Synonyms

deluge, rainstorm, torrent.

Examples of usage

  • The downpour lasted for hours, causing streets to flood.
  • We got caught in a sudden downpour while hiking in the mountains.
  • The downpour was so intense that it felt like the sky had opened up.
  • The downpour was so heavy that we had to seek shelter under a tree.
  • After the downpour, the fields were completely soaked.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Meteorology

  • A downpour usually occurs when a large amount of moisture in the air condenses quickly, leading to heavy rain.
  • It can be caused by weather fronts or storms that lift warm, moist air, causing it to cool and drop rain.
  • Downpours can sometimes lead to flash flooding, where water suddenly covers roads and fields.

Literature

  • In classic literature, downpours often symbolize intense emotions, such as sadness or turmoil.
  • Authors may use the imagery of a downpour to create a dramatic setting, making readers feel the weight of a scene.
  • Poets often describe downpours as cleansing or renewing, likening them to emotional release.

Culture

  • In many cultures, heavy rain is celebrated as a sign of fertility and nourishment for crops.
  • Festivals or rituals in some regions may invoke rain to ensure bountiful harvests, highlighting the importance of downpours to agriculture.
  • In film and music, downpours can symbolize transformative moments, often accompanying pivotal character decisions.

Science

  • Downpours can occur during thunderstorms, where warm, humid air rises quickly and cools, leading to rapid precipitation.
  • Meteorologists study downpours to improve weather prediction models and enhance public safety during severe weather events.
  • The intensity of a downpour is measured by rainfall rate, usually in millimeters per hour.

Psychology

  • Heavy rain, like a downpour, can affect mood, often causing feelings of melancholy or nostalgia.
  • Conversely, the sound of rain during a downpour can also provide a calming effect, aiding concentration and relaxation.
  • People in regions experiencing frequent rain sometimes develop a psychological resilience, adapting to wet conditions.

Origin of 'downpour'

The word 'downpour' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'down' (indicating movement from a higher to a lower place) and 'pour' (to flow or fall in a steady stream). The term reflects the sudden and heavy nature of the rainfall associated with a downpour.


See also: outpouring, pour, pouring.