Perturbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ
perturbed
[pษหtษหbd ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling anxious or unsettled; upset.
Synonyms
anxious, disturbed, unsettled, upset.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perturbed |
Use when someone is moderately but clearly worried or bothered.
|
| disturbed |
Use when something has caused significant emotional or mental distress, suggesting a deeper impact.
|
| upset |
Use when someone is visibly distressed, unhappy, or agitated. Commonly used in everyday situations.
|
| anxious |
Use when someone is very worried or eager about something that might happen, often anticipating a negative outcome.
|
| unsettled |
Use when someone feels uneasy or unsure, often due to an unexpected change.
|
Examples of usage
- I could tell she was perturbed by the news.
- He seemed perturbed by the sudden change in plans.
action
Make (someone) anxious or unsettled.
Synonyms
agitate, disturb, unsettle, upset.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perturbed |
Used when someone is worried or anxious but still trying to maintain composure. It's a mild to moderate level of concern.
|
| disturb |
Suitable for situations where someone or something disrupts peace, order, or normalcy. Can be used for both minor and major interruptions.
|
| upset |
Commonly used for situations where someone feels emotional distress, anger, or sadness. This word is quite versatile and can describe various levels of emotional turmoil.
|
| unsettle |
Used when something causes a person to feel uneasy or uncertain. It's often a feeling that makes someone question their sense of security or comfort.
|
| agitate |
Often used when someone is visibly upset or disturbed by something, causing them to show physical signs like restlessness or nervous movements. It can also mean to stir up feelings or emotions.
|
Examples of usage
- The unexpected noise perturbed the baby and made her cry.
- His behavior perturbed his colleagues and created tension in the office.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling perturbed can spike anxiety levels, as it often indicates that something is off in one's environment.
- It's linked to emotional responses where the individual feels heightened sensitivity to stressors.
- In cognitive behavioral therapy, learning how to address feelings of perturbation can lead to better emotional regulation.
Science
- In physics, 'perturbation' refers to a small change in a system, indicating that even minor disruptions can lead to larger effects.
- Astronomers use perturbation theory to explain how celestial bodies affect each otherโs orbits, highlighting how disturbances can lead to significant changes.
- In chemistry, when a substance is perturbed by heat, it may change its properties, much like how emotions change when one feels upset.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters often feel perturbed before major plot revelations, showcasing their internal conflicts.
- Authors like Shakespeare have used the theme of perturbation to illustrate deep emotional turmoil within characters.
- The word has been effectively used in poetry to convey the delicate nature of human feelings and their disruptions.
Pop Culture
- In television shows, protagonists often express feeling perturbed during moments of crisis, leading to drama and character development.
- Music often captures feelings of being perturbed, with lyrics that express confusion or distress, resonating with many listeners.
- The term frequently appears in psychological thrillers, highlighting characters' turmoil that drives the plot forward.
Origin of 'perturbed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'perturbare' meaning 'to disturb or throw into confusion'.
- It entered the English language in the early 15th century, primarily used in a philosophical context.
- The prefix 'per-' implies thoroughness, while 'turb' relates to stirring or disrupting, vividly portraying a deep state of disturbance.
The word 'perturbed' originated from the Latin word 'perturbare', which means 'to confuse' or 'to throw into disorder'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to signify a state of being anxious or unsettled. The use of 'perturbed' in modern English reflects the human experience of feeling disturbed or upset by external factors.
See also: imperturbable, perturb, perturbing, unperturbed.