Turbid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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turbid
[ˈtɜːrbɪd ]
Definitions
water condition
Cloudy or opaque, typically due to stirred-up sediment or the presence of other suspended particles.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turbid |
Used to describe liquids that are not clear due to the presence of suspended particles, often in scientific or technical contexts.
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| muddy |
Describes something mixed with or covered in mud or dirt, often used for soil, water, or even things like shoes. It has a negative connotation.
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| murky |
Refers to liquids, environments, or situations that are dark, unclear, or mysterious. It has a negative and potentially ominous connotation.
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| cloudy |
Commonly used to describe liquids, especially beverages or weather conditions, that are not clear. Can also refer to unclear thoughts or emotions.
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Examples of usage
- The river became turbid after heavy rain.
- The turbid water made it difficult to see the bottom.
thoughts or emotions
Confused or obscure in meaning or effect.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turbid |
Used to describe liquids that are cloudy or muddy. It implies a lack of clarity in a physical sense.
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| confused |
Used when someone is unable to think clearly or understand something. It implies a mental state of uncertainty or bewilderment.
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| obscure |
Used when something is not well-known or is difficult to understand. It can also mean something that is hidden or not easily found.
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| unclear |
Used to describe something that is not easily understood or not clearly expressed. It is often used in both physical and abstract contexts.
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Examples of usage
- His turbid thoughts prevented him from making a clear decision.
- Their turbid emotions led to a heated argument.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In environmental science, turbid water can indicate high levels of sediments, algae, or pollutants.
- Turbidity is measured in NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) to assess water quality.
- Clear water typically supports healthy ecosystems, while turbid conditions can harm aquatic life.
Literature
- The term often appears in poetry, describing not just water, but also emotional states as unclear or confused.
- Classic literature sometimes uses 'turbid' imagery to evoke feelings of chaos or conflict within characters.
- The word was notably used by Charles Dickens to describe dark and murky settings, enhancing the mood.
Art
- Artists often depict turbid waters to create dramatic landscapes, capturing the fierce beauty of nature.
- Turbidity can symbolize the turbulence of life or emotions in visual art and literature, inviting deeper interpretation.
- In abstract art, swirls and cloudy textures might evoke the feeling of being stuck or confused, similar to turbid nature.
Pop Culture
- In documentaries about environmental issues, turbid waters highlight pollution problems faced by many ecosystems.
- Certain songs and films use 'turbid' to express complex feelings, like confusion in relationships or personal struggles.
- Turbid waters are often featured in thriller or horror genres, representing danger or the unknown lurking beneath the surface.
Origin of 'turbid'
Main points about word origin
- The word has Latin origins, coming from 'turbidus', which means 'confused' or 'disturbed'.
- It made its way into Middle English through Old French, reflecting a journey through languages.
- Related words in English include 'disturb' and 'turmoil', sharing a common theme of confusion.
The word 'turbid' originated from the Latin word 'turbidus', meaning 'muddy, full of confusion'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe water that is cloudy or opaque due to stirred-up sediment. Over time, its usage has expanded to describe not only water conditions but also thoughts or emotions that are confused or unclear.