reverberant
|re-ver-ber-ant|
🇺🇸
/rɪˈvɝbərənt/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈvɜːbərənt/
echoing; bouncing back
Etymology
'reverberant' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'reverberare', where the prefix 're-' meant 'back' and 'verberare' meant 'to strike or beat'.
'reverberare' passed into Late Latin and Medieval Latin forms (e.g. 'reverberatus'/'reverberans') and into English via the verb 'reverberate' + adjectival suffix '-ant', producing 'reverberant'.
Initially it related to the idea of being 'struck back' or 'beaten back' (physical striking); over time the sense shifted toward sound being 'thrown back' or 'echoing', giving the modern meaning 'echoing or resounding'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having or characterized by reverberation; echoing or resounding (often of sound in an enclosed space).
The cathedral was reverberant with the organ music.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, producing a far-reaching or long-lasting effect; having consequences that echo or reverberate.
The announcement had a reverberant effect on the markets.
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Last updated: 2025/08/23 11:41