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Tumultuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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tumultuous

 

[tʌˈmʌltʃuəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a situation

making a loud, confused noise; uproarious

Synonyms

boisterous, chaotic, disorderly, noisy, rowdy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tumultuous

Use this word to describe situations that are filled with a lot of emotion or significant change. It can be positive or negative, often associated with instability.

  • The audience gave a tumultuous applause after the performance.
  • Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by frequent arguments and reconciliations.
noisy

This word is used to describe sounds that are loud and possibly disturbing.

  • The construction site was noisy all day long.
  • The restaurant was so noisy we could barely hear each other.
chaotic

This word describes situations that are extremely disorganized and confusing, often implying a complete lack of control.

  • The office was chaotic on the first day after the merger.
  • The streets were chaotic during the protest.
disorderly

Use this word for situations that lack order or organization and can suggest a slight negative connotation.

  • The students' behavior was disorderly during the assembly.
  • The room was left in a disorderly state after the meeting.
boisterous

This word is suitable for describing people or situations that are lively and noisy in a cheerful way.

  • The children were boisterous as they played in the park.
  • The party became quite boisterous after everyone had a few drinks.
rowdy

This term is ideal for describing loud and unruly behavior, often implying a lack of discipline which can be seen as negative.

  • The rowdy crowd at the concert made it hard to enjoy the music.
  • The bar patrons became rowdy after midnight.

Examples of usage

  • The tumultuous crowd gathered outside the courthouse.
  • The tumultuous protest could be heard from miles away.
  • The tumultuous storm caused widespread damage.
  • The tumultuous music filled the room with energy.
  • The tumultuous relationship finally came to an end.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in the Latin word 'tumultus', meaning a commotion or uproar.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting the events of chaotic times.
  • The term often describes not just noise but the emotional chaos that can accompany upheaval.

History

  • The 1960s in the United States were described as tumultuous due to the Civil Rights Movement and protests against the Vietnam War.
  • The tumultuous period of the French Revolution saw significant social and political upheaval, changing the course of history.
  • Key revolutions throughout history, like the Russian Revolution of 1917, were characterized by tumultuous events leading to immense changes.

Science

  • In geology, tumultuous events refer to volcanic eruptions that drastically change landscapes in short, intense bursts.
  • Atmospheric scientists study tumultuous weather patterns, particularly during hurricanes and severe storms, where conditions can change rapidly.
  • In biology, tumultuous cellular environments can lead to groundbreaking changes in evolution due to rapid adaptations.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature tumultuous relationships, such as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice', filled with misunderstandings and tension.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, tumultuous events often drive the plot, such as the chaos and conflict in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
  • Contemporary authors frequently depict tumultuous settings to reflect characters' inner turmoil, enhancing emotional depth.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Social Network' portray the tumultuous rise of technology and its impact on relationships.
  • Musical genres, such as punk rock, often encapsulate tumultuous energy, expressing rebellion and social discontent.
  • Reality TV shows thrive on tumultuous interactions, showcasing conflict and drama among participants to engage viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "tumultuous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tumultuoso

🇮🇳 उथल-पुथल

🇩🇪 stürmisch

🇮🇩 gaduh

🇺🇦 бурхливий

🇵🇱 burzliwy

🇯🇵 騒々しい

🇫🇷 tumultueux

🇪🇸 tumultuoso

🇹🇷 çalkantılı

🇰🇷 소란스러운

🇸🇦 عاصف

🇨🇿 bouřlivý

🇸🇰 búrlivý

🇨🇳 动荡的

🇸🇮 razburkan

🇮🇸 ómótsæll

🇰🇿 дауылды

🇬🇪 ქაოტური

🇦🇿 tufanlı

🇲🇽 tumultuoso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,857, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.