Reverberating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reverberating

[rษชหˆvษœหrbษ™reษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

Continuing to echo or resound.

Synonyms

echoing, resounding, reverberant, ringing.

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Word Description / Examples
reverberating

Describes a sound that is repeated several times as it bounces back off surfaces like walls, often indicating a prolonged or widespread effect.

  • The thunder was reverberating through the valley.
  • Her voice was reverberating in the empty hall.
resounding

Generally used to describe a sound that is impressively loud and clear, often creating a strong impact or leaving a lasting impression.

  • There was a resounding cheer from the crowd.
  • Her speech received resounding applause.
echoing

Best suited for situations where a sound is heard again and again, typically returning to the listener after bouncing off surfaces.

  • His footsteps were echoing in the empty corridor.
  • The cave was echoing with the sound of dripping water.
ringing

Used when a sound is clear, shrill, and persistent, often involving high-pitched tones.

  • The phone started ringing loudly.
  • She heard a ringing in her ears after the loud concert.
reverberant

Used to describe environments or conditions where sounds are easily reflected, creating a rich, full sound that fills the space.

  • The church had a reverberant quality that made the choir's music particularly beautiful.
  • His voice was deep and reverberant.

Examples of usage

  • The reverberating sound of the thunder could be heard for miles.
  • Her laughter was reverberating through the room.
  • The reverberating music filled the concert hall.
  • The reverberating effect of the explosion could be felt in the building.
  • The reverberating voices of the choir filled the church.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Physics

  • Sound travels in waves, and when these waves hit surfaces, they can bounce back, causing reverberation.
  • In acoustics, reverberation time measures how long it takes for sound to fade in a space, important in designing concert halls.
  • The effect exists not just in air, but also in water and solids, creating unique sound experiences in different materials.

Music

  • Musicians often use reverberating effects in songs to create depth and emotion.
  • In audio mixing, reverb can make a voice or instrument sound fuller and more immersive.
  • Different musical genres utilize reverberation in distinct ways, with rock often favoring denser echoes compared to classical.

Literature

  • Authors use the term in poetry to describe echoing ideas or themes, creating a layered meaning.
  • In some novels, the concept of reverberation can symbolize how past actions affect present circumstances.
  • Famous works often reflect on how words and actions 'reverberate' through time, impacting characters and plots.

Psychology

  • The idea of thoughts 'reverberating' in our minds can relate to how we dwell on certain memories or experiences.
  • Certain sounds can trigger emotional responses, causing feelings to echo long after the sound has stopped.
  • Therapists often encourage clients to understand how their past 'reverberates' in their present, influencing behavior and choices.

Origin of 'reverberating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reverberare', meaning 'to beat back' or 'to reflect'.
  • First recorded in English in the 16th century, it originally described light and sound.
  • Its original Latin root is related to the idea of returning or bouncing back, fitting how sounds behave in certain environments.

The word 'reverberating' comes from the Latin word 'reverberatus', which means 'beaten back'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe the echoing or resounding quality of sound. The concept of reverberation has been studied in acoustics and sound engineering to understand how sound waves reflect off surfaces and create the effect of reverberation in different spaces.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,221, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.