What is reverberate? Pronunciation and usage in English

reverberate means . Learn how to pronounce and use reverberate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reverberate

reverberateverb

/rɪˈvɜːbəreɪt//rɪˈvɜːrbəreɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reverberate." It's a tricky word! Here's a breakdown with phonetic guidance and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

/rɪˈvɛrbəˌreɪt/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ri - Like the "ri" in "ride." (Short "i" sound)
  • ˈverb - This is the key! This syllable is stressed. It sounds like "verb" but with a slight emphasis on the first syllable. The "er" is often lengthened a little.
  • ə - This is a schwa sound – a very weak, unstressed vowel sound. It's like the "a" in "about" or "so." It's almost silent.
  • ˌreɪt - This syllable is secondary. "Re" sounds like "re" in "red" and "ate" sounds like “ate”.

2. A more descriptive breakdown:

  • re-: Like the "re-" in "remember."
  • verb-: Like "verb" but elongated slightly – almost like "ver-b." Emphasize the "er" sound a little.
  • -er-: Pronounced like "er" in "her."
  • -bate: Sounds like “bate” as in “baseball bat.”

3. Putting it all together - A helpful approach:

Think of it as: "ri-verb-er-bate" Really focus on lengthening the "verb" syllable slightly.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the first syllable: Many people put too much stress on the first syllable ("re-"). The emphasis is actually on the second syllable ("verb").
  • The schwa sound is subtle: The "ə" sound isn't a distinct vowel, it’s very relaxed.
  • Practice slowly: Say each syllable individually first, then gradually speed up.
  • Listen to examples: This is the best way to learn. Search for "how to pronounce reverberate" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. Listen to a native speaker several times.

Resources for Listening:

To help me tailor my advice further, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you to listen to?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word you find difficult (e.g., the "verb" part)?

Usage and examples with the word reverberate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reverberate" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, so understanding its nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning: Sound & Echo

At its most basic, "reverberate" means to echo or resound. Think of a sound bouncing around a room after a clap or a shout.

  • Example: "The applause reverberated through the concert hall." (Meaning the applause continued to echo after the initial applause.)

2. Beyond Sound – Figurative Usage (Most Common Today)

The word has expanded its meaning considerably to describe the effect or consequence of something, often a strong emotion or idea, spreading or continuing to be felt. This is how it's most frequently used today.

Here's how it works in this figurative sense, broken down with examples:

  • Something Negative (Often implies bad news or distress):

    • "His betrayal reverberated around the family for years." (Meaning the pain and impact of his betrayal continued to be felt and discussed for a long time.)
    • “The news of the layoffs reverberated throughout the company.” (The impact of the layoffs continued to be felt by employees.)
    • “Fear reverberated amongst the villagers after the attack.” (The fear lingered and was widespread.)

  • Something Positive (Can describe inspiration or excitement):

    • “Her speech reverberated with passion and conviction.” (Meaning her speech had a powerful and lasting effect due to its enthusiasm and sincerity.)
    • “The artist's ideas have reverberated throughout the art world.” (Meaning his ideas have had a lasting and influential effect.)

  • Something Abstract (can relate to ideas or feelings):

    • "His words reverberated in my mind long after he spoke them." (Meaning the words had a lasting impression and continued to be thought about.)
    • "The principles of justice reverberate through our legal system." (Meaning the core ideas of justice are constantly considered and applied.)

3. Key Characteristics of Using "Reverberate":

  • Past Participle: "Reverberate" is a regular verb. Its past participle is "reverberated." “The shock had already reverberated when I arrived.”
  • Connects to a Previous Event: The word usually references something that already happened and is now having ongoing effects. It’s not about the initial event itself, but the resulting effect.
  • Implies Persistence: "Reverberate" suggests something that isn’t just a quick reaction; it suggests a continuing presence or aftereffect.

4. Synonyms (for the figurative meaning):

  • Resonate
  • Echo
  • Spread
  • Continue
  • Persist
  • Impact
  • Lingerr

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don't use it for a single, immediate sound. If you mean simply that something made a sound, use words like "echoed" or "rang."
  • Don’t use “reverberate” to describe a quick, fleeting feeling. Use “felt” or “experienced” instead.

Resources for Further Study:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of using "reverberate" in? (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation)
  • Do you have a particular sentence in mind that you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word reverberate

Practice with vocabulary reverberate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect designed the concert hall to allow the music to ____________ beautifully.
  2. The economic downturn is expected to ____________ through various industries for at least another year.
  3. We need to carefully ____________ the pros and cons before making such a significant investment.
  4. Her consistent efforts helped her ____________ a strong professional reputation within the firm.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe(s) the way a powerful operatic voice might fill a concert hall, causing the very structure to seem alive with sound? a) diminish b) resonate c) muffle d) reverberate e) silence

  2. The long-term consequences of the global financial crisis continue to ____________ across international markets, affecting investment strategies worldwide. a) dissipate b) subside c) reverberate d) condense e) vanish

  3. The public outcry over the proposed policy began to ____________ from local communities to national headlines, creating significant political pressure. a) accumulate b) radiate c) reverberate d) concentrate e) spread

  4. Due to the sudden change in regulations, the company was forced to ____________ its production schedule. a) adhere b) modify c) confirm d) neglect e) reinforce

  5. The research findings will ____________ our understanding of the disease's progression. a) obscure b) solidify c) undermine d) restrict e) complicate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The announcement of the merger had lasting and significant effects throughout the entire industry. (Rewrite using "reverberate" or a related word form.)

  2. The sound of the alarm was repeated and echoed intensely in the confined space of the bunker. (Rewrite using "reverberate" or a related word form.)

  3. The project manager's clear instructions helped to make the complex task simpler for the team. (Rewrite, replacing the underlined idea with a single, suitable word. Do NOT use "reverberate".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reverberate
  2. reverberate
  3. weigh
  4. establish

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) resonate, d) reverberate
  2. c) reverberate
  3. c) reverberate, e) spread
  4. b) modify
  5. b) solidify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The announcement of the merger reverberated throughout the entire industry, having lasting and significant effects.
  2. The alarm's sound reverberated intensely in the confined space of the bunker.
  3. The project manager's clear instructions helped to streamline the complex task for the team.

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