Word
vibration
Phoneticsvi·bra·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/vaɪˈbɹeɪʃən/
UK/vaɪbɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01shaking movement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a continuous, fast shaking movement.
n. a rapid linear motion of a body or medium about an equilibrium position.
“The vibration from the heavy truck made the windows rattle.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02emotional atmosphere
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Informal
n. the mood or feeling you get from a person, place, or situation.
n. an instinctively sensed emotional aura or atmosphere; frequently used in the plural.
“I got a strange vibration from that house, so I didn't want to stay long.”
“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.
Teaching tip
While 'vibrations' is correct, modern learners will more frequently encounter the shortened form 'vibes' in social media and conversation.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/vibration