Snowballing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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snowballing
[ˈsnoʊˌbɔlɪŋ ]
Definitions
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
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, the concept can relate to how small thoughts or worries can amplify into larger anxieties.
- Techniques for managing 'snowballing' thoughts include mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies to help reduce their impact.
- Cognitive distortions often lead to snowballing negative thoughts, wherein minor issues are perceived as more significant problems.
Finance
- In finance, snowballing describes a debt repayment strategy where you tackle the smallest debts first to build momentum.
- Investment growth can also be described as snowballing when profits are reinvested, leading to exponentially larger returns over time.
- The concept of compounding interest is akin to financial snowballing, where initial amounts grow significantly over periods.
Social Dynamics
- In social contexts, snowballing can describe how rumors or movements gain traction, starting with a few individuals and quickly spreading.
- A snowball effect can be seen in online trends or challenges, where one person's action inspires a larger movement.
- Similarly, collective behavior can snowball as more people join a cause, magnifying its impact and visibility.
Education
- In learning contexts, falling behind can produce a snowballing effect where difficulties compound over time, making it harder to catch up.
- Teaching strategies may aim to prevent snowballing problems by addressing challenges early and reinforcing foundational skills.
- Curiosity can create a snowball effect in education, where one idea sparks more questions and discussions, leading to deeper understanding.
Origin of 'snowballing'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the literal action of a snowball increasing in size as it rolls downhill, reflecting growth and accumulation.
- The phrase became popular in the 20th century to describe how situations can escalate quickly.
- Related phrases include 'snowball effect,' which also describes the same idea of increasing size or intensity.
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.