turbulent
turbulent
Definition & meaning
The word turbulent is an adjective used to describe states of unrest, disorder, or violent movement. It is applied in two main contexts:
- Physical movement: It describes irregular and chaotic motion in fluids or gases. For example, a flight might experience turbulence due to unstable air currents, or a river might be turbulent due to rocks and rapid flow.
- Figurative situations: It characterizes periods of time, events, or emotions that are hectic, restless, or full of conflict and change. A "turbulent year" would be one with many significant, often stressful or unpredictable, events.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is an adjective. In German, it is declined according to the noun it precedes (e.g., "ein turbulenter Tag"). Its comparative form is turbulenter and the superlative is am turbulentesten.
The term originates from the Latin word turbulentus, meaning "restless," "disturbed," or "confused." This is derived from the Latin noun turba, which signifies a "turmoil," "uproar," or "crowd." It entered the German language through scientific and academic usage before becoming common in everyday speech.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: unruhig, stürmisch, hektisch, chaotisch, lebhaft, wild
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Examples
Der Flug war heute sehr turbulent.adjective
The flight was very turbulent today.
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