Tumultuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tumultuous

[tสŒหˆmสŒltสƒuษ™s ]

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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 Shakespeareโ€™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.

Origin of 'tumultuous'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'tumultuous' originated from the Latin word 'tumultuosus', which means 'full of noise or disturbance'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe noisy, chaotic, or uproarious situations.


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.