Reverberant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔊

Add to dictionary

reverberant

[rɪˈvɜːr.bər.ənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sound

Reverberant describes a sound that is prolonged, reflected, or amplified, as if in a reverberation chamber.

Synonyms

echoing, resonant, ringing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reverberant	Used to describe a sound that persists strongly after it has been produced, often emphasizing the effect in a large or empty space. The reverberant sounds of the choir filled the old cathedral. Her voice was reverberant in the empty hall.
resonant	Describes a deep, clear, and continuing sound, often used to talk about voices or musical instruments that have a rich quality. His resonant voice commanded attention during the speech. The resonant tones of the piano filled the room.
echoing	Commonly used to describe a sound that is reflected off surfaces and heard again, often in smaller spaces or when there is a series of repetitions. His footsteps were echoing in the narrow alley. The laughter was echoing through the caverns.
ringing	Typically used to describe a clear, high-pitched sound that continues for a while, may also suggest something ongoing, such as a ringing phone or ringing in the ears. The ringing of the church bells signaled the start of the service. After the explosion, there was a persistent ringing in his ears.

Examples of usage

The reverberant sound of the choir filled the cathedral.
The reverberant echoes bounced off the walls of the cave.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Acoustics

In physics, reverberation time is the duration it takes for sound to decay in a space, impacting how music and speech are heard.
Reverberant rooms enhance certain qualities of sound, making them popular for concerts and performances.
Architects often design spaces with specific reverberant qualities to achieve desired acoustic effects.

Literature

Writers often use reverberant sounds in poetry to create a mood, mimic nature, or illustrate emotions.
In storytelling, reverberant spaces like caves or canyons can add tension and drama to a narrative.
Authors may describe dialogue in reverberant settings to evoke a sense of vastness or isolation.

Pop Culture

Many music genres, like rock and blues, utilize reverberant effects to enhance the vocals and instrumentals.
Films often use sound design with reverberation to build suspense or create an immersive experience for the audience.
Popular songs might feature reverberation effects to make the sound feel larger and more engaging.

Psychology

The perception of reverberation can affect how we feel in a space, influencing comfort levels and emotional responses.
Research shows that too much reverberation in environments can lead to increased stress and discomfort.
Conversely, pleasant reverberation can improve mood and enhance experiences, like listening to music or relaxing in a cafe.

Origin of 'reverberant'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'reverberare', which means to beat back or to echo.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe sounds that bounce or echo.
The prefix 're-' indicates a repeating effect, while 'verberant' relates to beating or striking.

The word 'reverberant' comes from the Latin word 'reverberare', which means 'to strike back'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-18th century. Originally used in the context of sound and acoustics, the term has since been widely adopted to describe the quality of reverberation in various environments.