Word
ricochet
Phoneticsric·o·chet, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɪkəˌʃeɪ/
UK/ɹˈɪkəʃˌeɪ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the way a bullet or stone bounces off a hard surface. It can also mean a sudden change in direction or a sudden increase in something like prices.
n. the act of a projectile bouncing off a surface; by extension, a sudden change in direction or a sharp increase in a specific value. Often used in military or financial contexts.
Examples
“The bullet hit the steel wall and ricochet.”
“The ball hit the wall at a sharp angle, causing a ricochet that sent it flying into the bushes.”
“The sudden rise in interest rates triggered a ricochet effect across the housing market, leading to a rapid decline in property values and a subsequent credit crunch.”
Examples
simple
“The bullet hit the steel wall and ricochet.”
contextual
“The ball hit the wall at a sharp angle, causing a ricochet that sent it flying into the bushes.”
complex
“The sudden rise in interest rates triggered a ricochet effect across the housing market, leading to a rapid decline in property values and a subsequent credit crunch.”
Real-World Examples
“As I looked at them, the chorus ricocheted around in my head.” “It’s so large that when we are within it, we are inside an echo chamber, every individual note ricocheting around like an echo off a mountainside.” Etymology
Borrowed from French ricochet, of uncertain origin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ricochet