What is turbulent? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of turbulent

turbulentadjective

/ˈtɜːbjələnt//ˈtɜːrbjələnt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "turbulent." It can be tricky for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • tur (like "tour" - as in, a sightseeing trip)
  • bu (like "boo" - a short, sharp sound)
  • lent (like "lent" - as in, the past tense of "lend")

2. Sounds & Emphasis:

  • "tur": This is the stressed syllable. It’s pronounced with a clear, short "t" sound.
  • "bu": The "u" in this syllable is pronounced as a "oo" sound - similar to the "oo" in "moon" or "food".
  • "lent": This syllable is relatively neutral. Say it with a soft "l" sound.

3. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it all together, it sounds like:

/tɜːrˈbʌlən(t)/

Here’s a breakdown of the sounds:

  • tɜːr – "tur" with a "t" followed by a sound similar to "er" (like in "bird")
  • ˈbʌlən – "bu" + "len" – stressed syllable, with the “oo” sound and a soft “l”
  • (t) - A very quick, unstressed "t" at the end. (Often almost silent)

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips:

  • Don't over-emphasize the second syllable. It's a quick, subtle “oo” sound.
  • The final “t” is often almost silent, so don't pronounce it strongly.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "turbulent"?

Usage and examples with the word turbulent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "turbulent" in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and it's often used metaphorically as well.

1. Core Meaning: Literally - Characterized by Violent Movement

At its most basic, "turbulent" describes something that is characterized by violent, chaotic, and unsteady movement. Think of:

  • Weather: “The sea was turbulent after the storm.” (Waves were crashing, ships were rocking violently)
  • Air: “The aircraft experienced turbulent conditions during the flight.” (The plane was shaking and bouncing around)
  • Water: "A turbulent river rushed through the gorge." (The water was swirling and difficult to navigate)

2. Figurative Meanings - Emotions & Situations

This is where "turbulent" gets really interesting. It’s very commonly used to describe feelings and situations that are emotionally or psychologically chaotic.

  • Emotions: "She felt a turbulent mix of joy and sadness after the news." (She was experiencing conflicting, intense emotions)
  • Relationships: "Their relationship was turbulent, marked by frequent arguments and breakups." (The relationship was unstable and difficult)
  • Political Situations: "The country’s political landscape was turbulent, with several leaders vying for power.” (There was instability and uncertainty)
  • Personal Life: "He was dealing with a turbulent period in his life, struggling with job loss and family issues." (The individual was experiencing significant, unsettling challenges)

3. Key Characteristics of "Turbulent" in Figurative Uses:

  • Conflict: There’s often a sense of inner or external conflict.
  • Instability: Things are not settled or calm.
  • Intensity: The emotions or situation are strong and potentially overwhelming.
  • Unpredictability: It's hard to know what will happen next.

4. Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Literal: “The spacecraft’s sensors detected a turbulent patch of space near Jupiter.”
  • Figurative (Emotions): “After the accident, he was experiencing a turbulent stream of memories.”
  • Figurative (Relationship): “Their marriage was turbulent and eventually ended in divorce.”
  • Figurative (Situation): "The stock market was turbulent, with prices fluctuating wildly."

5. Synonyms (Words that have similar meanings):

  • Chaotic
  • Tumultuous
  • Stormy
  • Unstable
  • Volatile
  • Discordant
  • Agitated
  • Chaotic

Tips for Using "Turbulent" Effectively:

  • Context is crucial: Make sure the context is right for the word. It's generally best for situations or feelings that are actively disruptive and difficult.
  • Show, don't just tell: Instead of just saying “It was a turbulent time,” try to show the turbulence through vivid descriptions of the emotions or events involved. For example: "Her stomach churned with anxiety, a knot of fear tightening with every news report."

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you use "turbulent" in a sentence related to a specific situation?
  • Explain how it differs from similar words (like "chaotic")?

Synonyms for the word turbulent

Practice with vocabulary turbulent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The 1960s were a particularly ______ period of social upheaval and rapid change.
  2. Passengers were advised to remain seated as the aircraft encountered unexpected ______ air currents.
  3. The stock market has been exceptionally ______ this week, with prices fluctuating wildly.
  4. Negotiating the new trade agreement proved to be a ______ process, requiring extensive discussions from all parties.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO described the company's recent quarter as incredibly ______, marked by sudden market shifts and internal restructuring. a) stable b) predictable c) turbulent d) serene

  2. After the abrupt change in leadership, the department entered a ______ period, with many employees feeling uncertain about their roles. a) tranquil b) tumultuous c) turbulent d) orderly e) chaotic

  3. The explorer recounted his journey through the ______ waters of the rapids, where his raft nearly capsized several times. a) placid b) calm c) stagnant d) turbulent

  4. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, the client remained ______ and refused to compromise on the key terms. a) amenable b) flexible c) resolute d) adamant e) complacent

  5. The detective found the witness's alibi to be ______ and full of contradictions, raising immediate suspicion. a) credible b) coherent c) flimsy d) robust e) vague

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The political landscape of the nation was very unstable and unpredictable during the transition period. Rewrite using "turbulent":
  2. Original: The unexpected strong winds made the flight very bumpy and uncomfortable for everyone on board. Rewrite using "turbulent" or a related word form:
  3. Original: His emotions were in a state of great disorder and confusion after the unexpected news. Rewrite without using "turbulent":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. turbulent
  2. turbulent
  3. volatile
  4. contentious

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) turbulent
  2. b) tumultuous, c) turbulent, e) chaotic
  3. d) turbulent
  4. d) adamant
  5. c) flimsy

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The nation experienced a turbulent political landscape during the transition period.
  2. The flight experienced significant turbulence due to the unexpected strong winds.
  3. His emotions were in a state of upheaval after the unexpected news.

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