Tumult Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tumult

[หˆtสŒmสŒlt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a crowd

A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.

Synonyms

chaos, commotion, turmoil, uproar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tumult

Tumult is used to describe a state of noisy confusion or disorder, often in a large crowd.

  • The tumult in the stadium grew louder as the game progressed.
  • The tumult of the marketplace could be heard from miles away.
commotion

Commotion is used when describing a situation where there's a lot of noise and activity, often caused by excitement or disturbance.

  • She looked out the window to see what was causing the commotion in the street.
  • There was a commotion in the office when they announced the policy changes.
uproar

Uproar is used when describing a situation where there is a loud and impassioned noise or commotion, often from a large group in response to something controversial or surprising.

  • The politician's comments caused an uproar in the media.
  • The crowd went into an uproar when the team scored the winning goal.
chaos

Chaos refers to a state of complete disorder and confusion, often implying a lack of control and predictability.

  • The city was in chaos after the unexpected blackout.
  • Chaos erupted in the classroom when the teacher left.
turmoil

Turmoil describes a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, often emotional or political.

  • After the scandal, the company was in turmoil for months.
  • His personal life was in turmoil following the breakup.

Examples of usage

  • The protest turned into a tumult as more and more people joined in.
  • The stadium was filled with tumult as the fans cheered for their team.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

A state of confusion or disorder.

Synonyms

confusion, disorder, turmoil, upheaval.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tumult

Use it for loud, chaotic noises and confusion, often associated with a crowd or mob. It conveys a sense of uproar.

  • The crowd broke into a tumult when the band appeared on stage.
  • The courtroom was in tumult as the verdict was announced.
confusion

This word is best used to describe a state of misunderstanding or lack of clarity, whether in a situation or in someoneโ€™s mind.

  • There was confusion among students about the exam date.
  • She looked at him with confusion, not understanding his instructions.
disorder

Opt for this word to describe a lack of order or organization, often used in a physical space or in a system. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The office was in complete disorder after the move.
  • His room was always in a state of disorder, with clothes scattered everywhere.
turmoil

Appropriate for describing a state of extreme confusion or agitation, often emotional. It suggests great distress or complication.

  • She felt inner turmoil about the difficult decision she had to make.
  • The country was in political turmoil following the election.
upheaval

Use in situations where there is a major change or disruption, often associated with social, political, or physical shifts.

  • The industrial revolution caused significant social upheaval.
  • The sudden resignation of the CEO led to an upheaval within the company.

Examples of usage

  • Her mind was in tumult after receiving the shocking news.
  • The company was in tumult following the sudden resignation of its CEO.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the context of revolutions, tumult often marks the moments just before significant social changes.
  • The phrase 'tumultuous times' often refers to periods of political unrest or upheaval in history.
  • Famous events like the French Revolution were marked by great tumult, leading to new societal structures.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, tumult often represents the chaos of human emotions and societal conflicts.
  • Many poets describe the tumult of nature, using it as a metaphor for inner struggles.
  • Classic novels frequently depict tumultuous events to emphasize character development and societal commentary.

Psychology

  • Experiencing tumult in life can lead to stress but also profound personal growth and resilience.
  • The human brain processes tumultuous environments as signals for adaptation, triggering fight or flight responses.
  • Understanding tumult can help individuals cope with anxiety in chaotic situations by creating coping strategies.

Pop Culture

  • In music, tumult often serves as a theme, reflecting the struggles of life and societal issues.
  • Movies depicting dystopian futures frequently feature scenes of tumult to convey a breakdown of order.
  • Social media discussions around current events often create a digital tumult, showing public unrest or excitement.

Origin of 'tumult'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'tumultus,' meaning 'a disturbance' or 'an uproar.'
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe chaotic situations.
  • Originally associated with military battles, it gradually expanded to everyday contexts.

The word 'tumult' originated from the Latin word 'tumultus', which means noisy commotion or uproar. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe a loud and chaotic situation. Over the years, 'tumult' has become a common word to express confusion, disorder, and emotional turmoil.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,753, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.