ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ripples

n. plural-only
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɹɪpəɫz// UK //ɹˈɪpəlz// rip·ples

n. small waves on the surface of water, or a feeling that spreads slowly through a group of people.

n. small waves or undulations on the surface of a liquid; by extension, a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single event.


SIMPLE

The stone made small ripples in the pond.

CONTEXTUAL

The news of the factory closing sent ripples of concern through the entire local community.

COMPLEX

A single policy change in the capital can create ripples that affect the lives of citizens in the most remote provinces of the country.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in the plural to describe the series of waves or the spreading nature of an effect.

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