Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tempestuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒช๏ธ
Add to dictionary

tempestuous

[tษ›mหˆpษ›stjuษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotions; very stormy

Synonyms

fiery, passionate, stormy, turbulent, volatile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tempestuous

Ideal for describing wild, tumultuous situations or relationships. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts to convey intensity.

  • Their tempestuous relationship was marked by constant arguments and reconciliations
stormy

Usually describes tumultuous emotions or events, often associated with conflict, whether in nature or relationships.

  • After a stormy debate, the two friends eventually reconciled
turbulent

Often applied to situations involving disruption and disorder, such as political or historical events.

  • The company experienced a turbulent year with multiple resignations and declining profits
volatile

Used to describe situations or people that are unstable and can change rapidly; also has a negative connotation.

  • The political climate in the region is extremely volatile, causing uncertainty among investors
passionate

Best suited for expressing strong emotions, either positive or negative, often in relation to love, hobbies, or work.

  • He was passionate about his art, spending every free moment in his studio
fiery

Used to characterize someone with a strong, intense personality or emotions. Can also refer to situations filled with energy and heat.

  • Her fiery temper got her into trouble at times, but it also made her a passionate advocate

Examples of usage

  • The tempestuous sea tossed the boat around like a toy.
  • Her tempestuous relationship with her ex-boyfriend finally came to an end.
  • The tempestuous weather forced the cancellation of the outdoor event.
  • The tempestuous wind howled through the night.
  • The tempestuous political climate led to protests in the streets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use tempestuous characters to showcase inner conflict, such as Heathcliff in 'Wuthering Heights'.
  • Shakespeare often portrayed tempestuous themes in his plays, exemplified in 'The Tempest', which explores chaos and reconciliation.
  • Poets like John Keats and Lord Byron have also captured tempestuous emotions in their romantic works, illustrating tumult in love and nature.

Science

  • Meteorology defines tempestuous weather as conditions with high winds and heavy rainfall, which can be severe and dangerous.
  • Tempestuous behavior in psychology can refer to extreme emotional reactions, often linked to instability or impulsivity.
  • In ecological studies, 'tempestuous' environments can be rich in biodiversity, as they support various life forms adapting to harsh conditions.

Pop Culture

  • Tempestuous relationships are a common theme in movies and TV shows, illustrating passion and conflict, like in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
  • Songs often describe tempestuous love, reflecting the ups and downs of relationships, such as 'Rolling in the Deep' by Adele.
  • The term is frequently used in fashion and cosmetics, emphasizing dramatic styles or bold colors that evoke strong emotional responses.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the notion of a tempestuous soul, which is torn between reason and emotion, leading to existential dilemmas.
  • The concept of chaos vs. order in human emotions is illustrated through tempestuous traits, depicting the duality of human nature.
  • Tempestuous discussions about morality and ethics can illuminate how intense emotions drive human decision-making.

Origin of 'tempestuous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tempestuosus', which means 'stormy', derived from 'tempestas', meaning 'storm'.
  • Initially used in the 15th century, the word began to describe both literal storms and turbulent emotions.
  • Related to words like 'tempest', which directly describes a violent storm, showcasing its roots in dramatic weather.

The word 'tempestuous' originates from the Latin word 'tempestuosus', meaning 'stormy, tempestuous'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe both literal storms and figurative tumultuous situations. The term is often associated with strong emotions and turbulent weather conditions, capturing the essence of a powerful and uncontrollable force.

See also: tempestuousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,327, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.