vibration

n.

US //vaɪˈbɹeɪʃən// UK //vaɪbɹˈeɪʃən// vi·bra·tion

1 shaking movement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

a continuous, fast shaking movement.

a rapid linear motion of a body or medium about an equilibrium position.

Example

The vibration from the heavy truck made the windows rattle.

Example

Engineers monitored the structural vibration of the bridge to ensure that the high winds were not compromising its integrity.

Usage

Often used in the singular to describe a general state of shaking.
- stillness
2 emotional atmosphere (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

the mood or feeling you get from a person, place, or situation.

an instinctively sensed emotional aura or atmosphere; frequently used in the plural.

Example

I got a strange vibration from that house, so I didn't want to stay long.

Example

Despite the professional setting, there was a positive vibration in the room that suggested the negotiations would be successful.

Usage

Commonly shortened to 'vibe' in modern casual speech.

Teacher's tip

While 'vibrations' is correct, modern learners will more frequently encounter the shortened form 'vibes' in social media and conversation.

Origin

From French vibration, from Latin vibrātiō (“a shaking or brandishing”), from vibrō (“shake, vibrate”); see vibrate. Morphologically vibrate + -ion.

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