reverberation
reverberation — noun
- reverberationsingular
- reverberationsplural
1. A deep or loud sound that continues to be heard after the original noise has sto
A deep or loud sound that continues to be heard after the original noise has stopped, especially when it bounces off hard surfaces inside a building or other enclosed space.
The reverberation of the church organ filled the old stone building long after the final note.
reverberation + of + noun (sound in an enclosed space)
Asher could hear the reverberation of thunder rolling across the valley for nearly thirty seconds.
The concert hall was designed to reduce unwanted reverberation so the orchestra would sound clear.
When Bao shouted into the empty tunnel, the reverberation made his voice sound like several people calling back.
A single drumbeat produced echoes and reverberation that spread through the whole stadium.
- echo
More general and common; 'echo' can describe a single repetition of sound, while 'reverberation' suggests a longer, richer resonance.
- resonance
More technical and scientific; 'resonance' refers to sound being strengthened by the physical properties of a space or object.
- ringing
Close in meaning but usually describes a higher-pitched, more persistent sound; often used for sounds in the ears.
- silence
The absence of any sound, including reverberation.
- muffled sound
A dampened or softened sound with no echo or resonance.
文法句型
reverberation + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is most common when describing the natural acoustics of large enclosed spaces such as concert halls, cathedrals, tunnels, or caves. The plural form 'reverberations' can be used when referring to multiple distinct echoes or types of echoing sounds.
常見錯誤
2. The widespread and usually negative effects that spread out from an important ev
The widespread and usually negative effects that spread out from an important event or action, reaching many people or places over a period of time.
The political scandal had reverberations across the entire government, forcing three ministers to leave their jobs.
political reverberations — common collocation
Femi warned that the new policy could create reverberations felt by small businesses for years.
create reverberations — verb + noun pattern
The economic crisis in one country can cause reverberations in banking systems around the world.
Padma studied the social reverberations of the earthquake by watching how families rebuilt their lives.
The factory closure sent reverberations through the town when many workers lost their income.
- aftermath
Focuses on the period immediately following an event rather than the spreading of effects; more neutral in tone.
- fallout
Often carries strong negative connotations and suggests unintended consequences, especially from political or nuclear contexts.
- ripple effect
More informal and suggests a gradual, ever-widening spread; 'ripple effect' is less dramatic than 'reverberations'.
- repercussion
Usually suggests an indirect or delayed consequence; often carries a negative tone and implies blame.
文法句型
reverberations + prepositional phrase
have/cause/create reverberations
用法筆記
In this sense, the plural form 'reverberations' is the standard form; the singular 'reverberation' is rare for this meaning. The subject of the sentence is usually an important or serious event such as a political crisis, economic change, or natural disaster. Common in news reporting and formal analysis.