Snowballing: meaning, definitions and examples
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snowballing
[ ˈsnoʊˌbɔlɪŋ ]
growth process
Snowballing is a term that refers to a situation in which something starts small and gradually grows in size or intensity, similar to a snowball rolling down a hill and gathering more snow. This concept can be applied in various contexts, such as finance, where a small investment can increase significantly over time due to compound interest, or in social settings, where a small idea can gain momentum and attract more followers.
Synonyms
accelerating, expanding, growing.
Examples of usage
- Her savings began snowballing after she started investing regularly.
- The movement began with a few activists and quickly began snowballing.
- The company's profits are snowballing thanks to increased market demand.
cumulative effect
As a noun, snowballing refers to a cumulative effect that results from a series of events or actions that compound on each other, leading to larger outcomes. This term can be used in fields such as education, where learning builds upon previous knowledge, or in economics, where initial investments can lead to increasingly larger returns.
Synonyms
compounding, cumulative growth, escalation.
Examples of usage
- The snowballing of knowledge is essential for academic success.
- The snowballing effects of the policy changes are becoming evident.
- His debts kept snowballing until he declared bankruptcy.
Translations
Translations of the word "snowballing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bola de neve
🇮🇳 बर्फ़ का गोला
🇩🇪 Schneeball
🇮🇩 bola salju
🇺🇦 сніговий клубок
🇵🇱 kulka śnieżna
🇯🇵 スノーボール
🇫🇷 boule de neige
🇪🇸 bola de nieve
🇹🇷 kar topu
🇰🇷 눈덩이
🇸🇦 كرة ثلج
🇨🇿 sněhová koule
🇸🇰 snehová guľa
🇨🇳 雪球
🇸🇮 snežna krogla
🇮🇸 snjókalla
🇰🇿 қар доп
🇬🇪 თოვლის ბურთი
🇦🇿 qar topu
🇲🇽 bola de nieve
Etymology
The term 'snowballing' has its origins in the literal process of making a snowball, which involves rolling a small piece of snow to gather more snow until it becomes larger. This physical action is metaphorically transferred to various contexts to describe the way small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes. The concept became prominent in the early 20th century, particularly in finance and business, where it illustrated how minor investments could lead to substantial wealth over time. The figurative usage of the word has expanded across disciplines, reflecting the interconnectedness and rapid growth often observed in modern society, social movements, and technology.