Tumultuously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tumultuously

[tjuːˈmʌl.tjʊ.əs.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of action

Tumultuously refers to the manner in which an action is carried out in a noisy, chaotic, or disorderly way. It often describes situations filled with disturbance or confusion, both physically and emotionally.

Synonyms

chaotically, disorderly.

Examples of usage

  • The crowd cheered tumultuously at the concert.
  • They debated tumultuously over the controversial topic.
  • The waves crashed tumultuously against the shore.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Frequently used in novels and poetry to describe chaotic scenes, such as battles or social gatherings.
  • Authors like William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf utilized this adjective to draw vivid pictures of turmoil and chaos.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, tumultuous scenes often highlight emotional conflict, enhancing drama.

Culture

  • Often associated with historical movements, such as protests or revolutions, reflecting the passionate and chaotic nature of change.
  • In music, tumultuous compositions can convey strong feelings, filled with dissonance and dynamic shifts.
  • The phrase can describe real-life situations such as sports events, festivals, or political rallies where excitement turns into chaos.

Psychology

  • Experiencing tumultuous emotions can be linked to stress or anxiety, often requiring coping strategies to manage.
  • People may respond to tumultuous situations differently, improving resilience for some while causing distress for others.
  • A tumultuous environment may impact mental well-being, leading to increased awareness of the need for stability.

Science

  • In geology, 'tumultuous' can describe explosive volcanic eruptions that create massive, chaotic geological events.
  • In fluid dynamics, tumultuous flow refers to irregular fluid motion, contrasting with smooth, laminar flow.
  • Oceanologists use the term to describe stormy seas that affect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Origin of 'tumultuously'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'tumultus', meaning 'commotion' or 'disturbance'.
  • The English word appeared in the early 19th century, gaining popularity during times of social upheaval.
  • Related terms include 'tumult', which refers to a loud, confused noise, typically involving a lot of people.

The word 'tumultuously' is derived from the Latin word 'tumultuosus', meaning 'noisy' or 'tumultuous', which itself comes from 'tumultus', meaning 'disorder' or 'disturbance'. The prefix 'tum-' relates to 'to swell' or 'to agitate'. The word evolved through Middle English and has retained its connotation of chaos and uproar throughout its linguistic journey. It began to be used in the English language around the late Middle Ages, often used to describe violent or boisterous behavior in public riots, large gatherings, or emotional outbursts. The term is commonly employed in literature to evoke a sense of disturbance or passionate uproar in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,094 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.