# amplitude

/ˈæmpɫəˌtud/ (US) · /ˈæmplɪtjˌuːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amplitude
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. wave strength

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the maximum height or strength of a wave, like a sound wave or a radio signal.

For teachers: the maximum absolute value of a periodically varying quantity, such as the displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.

- The radio station increased the amplitude of its signal to reach more listeners.
- In the study of acoustics, increasing the amplitude of a sound wave results in a higher perceived volume without altering the pitch.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the general property; countable when referring to specific measurements.

### 2. largeness or breadth

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

the great size, fullness, or range of something.

For teachers: the quality of being large in size, scope, or capacity; breadth or magnitude.

- The amplitude of her knowledge about history surprised everyone at the meeting.
- The sheer amplitude of the cathedral's interior left the tourists speechless as they entered the nave.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern conversation; learners should use 'size' or 'scope' unless writing formal literature.

### 3. gymnastics movement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

how high or far a gymnast moves their body during a skill.

For teachers: the degree of extension or height achieved by an athlete during the execution of a movement.

- The judges gave the gymnast a high score because of the amplitude of her jump.
- To secure a podium finish, the athlete needed to demonstrate greater amplitude in his tumbling passes than his competitors.

### 4. environmental range

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

the range of conditions, like temperature, where a plant or animal can live.

For teachers: the range of environmental conditions within which an organism or species can survive and function.

- Some desert plants have a wide thermal amplitude, surviving both hot days and freezing nights.
- Ecologists are concerned that the narrow ecological amplitude of this species makes it highly vulnerable to rapid climate change.

## Examples

- The radio station increased its signal amplitude.
- The technician adjusted the amplifier to increase the sound's amplitude without causing distortion in the speakers.
- By measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves, geologists can estimate the total energy released during an earthquake and determine its magnitude on the Richter scale.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.