Word
torrential
Phoneticstor·ren·tial, stress on the second syllable
US/tɔˈɹɛnʃəɫ/
UK/təɹˈɛnʃəl/
Definition
adj. describing rain or water that falls in a very heavy and fast flow. You use this when the rain is so strong it feels like a flood.
adj. characterised by a heavy, continuous, and violent flow of water, such as rain or a river. Often used to describe weather conditions that cause flooding or significant erosion.
Examples
“The city was hit by torrential rains all night.”
“After the storm, the river overflowed its banks due to torrential downpours that lasted for several hours.”
“The region's infrastructure was severely tested by torrential rains that followed a period of extreme drought, highlighting the vulnerability of the local drainage systems to sudden climatic shifts.”
Examples
simple
“The city was hit by torrential rains all night.”
contextual
“After the storm, the river overflowed its banks due to torrential downpours that lasted for several hours.”
complex
“The region's infrastructure was severely tested by torrential rains that followed a period of extreme drought, highlighting the vulnerability of the local drainage systems to sudden climatic shifts.”
Real-World Examples
“The torrential rains hit Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, triggering landslide warnings and power outages.” “The torrential rains hit Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Thursday night, triggering landslide warnings and power outages.” Etymology
From torrent + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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