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Rippling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rippling

[ˈrɪp(ə)lɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

water

To form small waves or ripples on the surface of water, typically as a result of a breeze or a pebble dropping into it. It can also refer to a sound or movement that resembles small waves.

Synonyms

pulsate, undulate, vibrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rippling

Used to describe a gentle, wave-like motion, often on a surface of water or something resembling water.

  • The lake's surface was rippling gently in the breeze.
  • Her voice sent rippling waves of laughter through the crowd.
undulate

Used to describe a smooth, wavy motion, often for physical landscapes, fabrics, or abstract motions.

  • The hills began to undulate as far as the eye could see.
  • The dancer's movements seemed to undulate to the music.
pulsate

Used to describe regular, rhythmic throbbing or beating, often used for heartbeats, music, or lights.

  • Her heart began to pulsate rapidly as she saw the results.
  • The nightclub was filled with pulsating lights.
vibrate

Used to describe a rapid back-and-forth motion, often at a small scale, and typically for mechanical objects or phones.

  • The phone started to vibrate in her pocket.
  • His voice began to vibrate with emotion.

Examples of usage

  • The wind was rippling the surface of the lake.
  • The pebble rippled the calm water as it dropped in.
Context #2 | Noun

effect

A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. It can also refer to a gentle rising and falling sound or movement.

Synonyms

swell, undulation, wavelet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rippling

Commonly used to describe a smooth, flowing motion on the surface, especially of water or fabric. It gives the impression of continuous, gentle, small waves.

  • The stone thrown into the pond caused rippling patterns to form on the surface.
  • The wind was gently rippling through the long grass.
wavelet

A small wave on the surface of a liquid. It implies a more diminutive and gentle movement than 'wave'.

  • Small wavelets lapped at the edge of the lake.
  • The light breeze created delicate wavelets on the pond.
undulation

Describes a wavelike motion or shape, typically used in more formal or technical contexts. It can refer not only to water but also landscapes or other surfaces.

  • The undulation of the hills was a beautiful sight from the top of the viewpoint.
  • Undulations in the carpet caused several people to trip.
swell

Refers to a gradual increase in intensity, volume, or size. Often used in the context of the sea, emotion, or sound. Can have a slightly more powerful connotation than 'rippling'.

  • The sea began to swell, indicating an approaching storm.
  • His heart swelled with pride as he watched his daughter graduate.

Examples of usage

  • The ripples in the pond created a soothing effect.
  • The news sent ripples of excitement through the community.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Rippling is a common sight in lakes or ponds when the wind blows or something disturbs the water.
  • Certain animals, like fish and frogs, create ripples when they jump or swim, showcasing movement in water.

Physics

  • The phenomenon of rippling can be explained by waves, where energy moves through a medium without the medium itself moving far from its position.
  • In acoustics, rippling can be related to sound waves propagating through air, creating a ripple-like effect of sound.

Art

  • In paintings, artists often use rippling effects to convey motion, especially in water scenes, making the artwork feel alive.
  • The concept of rippling can also be seen in fabric and textiles, where the way fabric folds creates ripples that add texture.

Metaphor and Language

  • In literature, rippling can symbolize the spread of emotions or thoughts, like how a feeling can grow from one person to affect others.
  • Expressions like 'the ripples of time' evoke the idea that every action can have far-reaching consequences.

Mathematics

  • Rippling can be illustrated using wave functions in mathematics, which describe how ripples propagate in different dimensions.
  • The concept of oscillations and waves in physics is modeled mathematically to analyze how ripples behave and interact.

Origin of 'rippling'

The word 'rippling' originated from the Middle English word 'ripplen', which is a combination of 'rip' (to tear or split) and the suffix '-le' (frequentative). It has been used to describe the motion of water since the 14th century, evolving to encompass metaphorical meanings related to effects or influences that spread outwards like ripples on water.

See also: ripplingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,076, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.