vibration
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a continuous, fast shaking movement.
a rapid linear motion of a body or medium about an equilibrium position.
Simple“The vibration from the heavy truck made the windows rattle.”
In context“Engineers monitored the structural vibration of the bridge to ensure that the high winds were not compromising its integrity.”
UsageOften used in the singular to describe a general state of shaking.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the mood or feeling you get from a person, place, or situation.
an instinctively sensed emotional aura or atmosphere; frequently used in the plural.
Simple“I got a strange vibration from that house, so I didn't want to stay long.”
In context“Despite the professional setting, there was a positive vibration in the room that suggested the negotiations would be successful.”
UsageCommonly shortened to 'vibe' in modern casual speech.
Teacher's tipWhile 'vibrations' is correct, modern learners will more frequently encounter the shortened form 'vibes' in social media and conversation.
“The vibration rapidly increased before the crew heard a loud bang and the cabin lost pressure.”
“Dead.'" The sailor described constant noise and vibration, from the ship's engine and planes taking off and landing.”
From French vibration, from Latin vibrātiō (“a shaking or brandishing”), from vibrō (“shake, vibrate”); see vibrate. Morphologically vibrate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.