Reverberate: meaning, definitions and examples

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reverberate

[rɪˈvɜː.bə.reɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound

To be repeated several times as an echo.

Synonyms

echo, resound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reverberate	This word is generally used to describe the prolonged reflection of sound waves in an enclosed space, contributing to the persistence of the sound. The thunderclap reverberated in the mountains. The music's bass notes reverberated in the club.
echo	This term is commonly used when a sound is reflected off a surface and heard again. It can also be used metaphorically to describe repetition or similarities. She shouted into the canyon and heard her voice echo back. His speech echoed the sentiments of the public.
resound	This word is typically used when a sound fills a large area or is particularly loud and clear. It can be used to describe both literal and figurative impact. The church bells resounded through the village. Her words resounded with everyone in the audience.

Word

Description / Examples

reverberate

This word is generally used to describe the prolonged reflection of sound waves in an enclosed space, contributing to the persistence of the sound.

The thunderclap reverberated in the mountains.
The music's bass notes reverberated in the club.

echo

This term is commonly used when a sound is reflected off a surface and heard again. It can also be used metaphorically to describe repetition or similarities.

She shouted into the canyon and heard her voice echo back.
His speech echoed the sentiments of the public.

resound

This word is typically used when a sound fills a large area or is particularly loud and clear. It can be used to describe both literal and figurative impact.

The church bells resounded through the village.
Her words resounded with everyone in the audience.

Examples of usage

Her laughter reverberated through the room.
The gunshot reverberated in the empty street.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

effect

To have continuing and serious effects.

Synonyms

affect, impact, influence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reverberate	This word is often used in contexts where sound echoes or an event causes a lasting effect, particularly in a dramatic or overwhelming way. The loud music reverberated through the halls. The speech reverberated through the community, sparking widespread debate.
impact	Best used when describing a powerful or significant effect or impression, especially with a sense of force or collision. The new technology had a huge impact on the industry. The car accident impacted his ability to walk.
influence	Use this word when referring to a more subtle, gradual effect on someone's opinions, behavior, or decisions. It implies a kind of sway or control that might not be immediately obvious. Her parents' values influenced her career choices. Advertisements can influence consumers' purchasing decisions.
affect	This term is suitable for general use when talking about something causing a change or influence on something else, usually in a straightforward manner without strong emotional or dramatic implications. The weather can affect your mood. The new policy will affect everyone in the company.

Examples of usage

The economic crisis reverberated throughout the country.
His decision reverberated in the political sphere.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'reverberare,' which means 'to beat back' or 'to echo.'
It was first used in English in the late 16th century, originally relating to sound.
The prefix 're-' means 'again' and 'verberare' means 'to strike,' indicating a sound that strikes back.

Science

Sound waves travel through air and can reflect off surfaces, causing the sound to reverberate.
In acoustics, the quality of a space can influence how sound reverberates—like in a concert hall versus a small room.
The duration of how long a sound reverberates is measured as 'reverberation time' and is important in sound design.

Pop Culture

In music, reverberation is often added to recordings to give depth and a sense of space—common in genres like rock and pop.
Famous songs often utilize echo effects to create a dramatic impact, making certain words or notes resonate longer.
The term appears in various song titles and lyrics, signifying emotional or impactful effects.

Psychology

Reverberate can symbolize how thoughts and feelings can echo in our minds after significant experiences.
In therapy, discussing memories can help them reverberate with new understanding, affecting future behavior.
The concept is linked to the way emotional responses can leave lasting impressions on our mental state.

Literature

Authors often use the idea of reverberation to illustrate how past actions or words continue to affect characters.
In poetry, the sound patterns created can reverberate through the reader's experience, enhancing the emotional tone.
The concept of echoes and reflections is commonly explored in different literary genres, emphasizing interconnectedness.

Translations

Translations of the word "reverberate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reverberar

🇮🇳 गूंजना

🇩🇪 widerhallen

🇮🇩 bergema

🇺🇦 відлунювати

🇵🇱 rozbrzmiewać

🇯🇵 反響する (hankyō suru)

🇫🇷 réverbérer

🇪🇸 reverberar

🇹🇷 yankılanmak

🇰🇷 반향하다 (banhyanghada)

🇸🇦 يتردد صداها (yatardad ṣadāhā)

🇨🇿 ozývat se

🇸🇰 ozývať sa

🇨🇳 回响 (huíxiǎng)

🇸🇮 odmevati

🇮🇸 bergmála

🇰🇿 жаңғыру

🇬🇪 გამოხმაურება (gamoḳhmaureba)

🇦🇿 əks-səda vermək

🇲🇽 reverberar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,784, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29781 rouble
29782 interceded
29783 polluter
29784 reverberate
29785 animism
29786 materialised
...