Word
seismic
Phoneticsseis·mic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪzmɪk/
UK/sˈaɪzmɪk/
Definitions
01related to earthquakes
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. related to or caused by earthquakes and the way the ground moves.
adj. relating to or caused by earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth and its crust.
“The city is located in a seismic zone where small earthquakes are common.”
“Seismic sensors placed along the fault line detected subtle tremors that preceded the major earthquake by several hours.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
02huge and impactful
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. having a very big, important, or sudden effect on a situation.
adj. denoting an event or change of enormous proportions or having a highly significant impact.
“The invention of the smartphone caused a seismic shift in how we communicate.”
“The sudden collapse of the major investment bank sent seismic shocks through the global financial markets, leading to a decade of instability.”
Teaching tip
This figurative use is very common in journalism and academic writing to describe social or political changes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“According to the Colombian Geological Service, the quake’s epicentre was at a depth of about 103 kilometres (64 miles), and was the largest seismic event recorded in the country this century.” “Raúl Andrés Buitrago, the head of customer service at a business in Pereira, said he was leaving for work when the seismic alert on his watch went off.” Etymology
Based on Ancient Greek σεισμός (seismós, “shaking, earthquake”) + -ic, equivalent to seismo- + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. seismic shift
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/seismic