Perturbation Meaning
/pˌɜrtəˈrbeɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAgitation; the state of being perturbed.
nounA small change in a physical system, or more broadly any definable system (such as a biological or economic system).
Sentence Examples
The perturbation of the planet's orbit was minimal.
The perturbation theory was used to model the system.
A slight perturbation in the orbit was detected by astronomers.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sudden drop in temperature caused a ____ in the weather pattern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The unexpected announcement caused significant ____ among investors who had not anticipated the news.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French perturbation, from Old French perturbacion, from Latin perturbatio.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Reſtore your ſelues, vnto your temper, Fathers; / And, vvithout perturbation, heare me ſpeake: […]"
— 1611, Ben[jamin] Jonson, Catiline His Conspiracy, London: […] [William Stansby?] for Walter Burre, →OCLC, Act IIII:
"But her mind had never been in such perturbation; and it needed a very strong effort to appear attentive and cheerful till the usual hour of separating allowed her the relief of quiet reflection."
— 1815 December (indicated as 1816), [Jane Austen], chapter V, in Emma: […], volume I, London: […] [Charles Roworth and James Moyes] for John Murray, →OCLC:
"Natures that haue much Heat, and great and violent deſires and Perturbations, are not ripe for Action, till they haue paſſed the Meridian of their yeares: As it was with Iulius Cæſar, and Septimius Seuerus."
— 1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Youth and Age. XLII.”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC, pages 247–248:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sudden drop in temperature caused a ____ in the weather pattern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The unexpected announcement caused significant ____ among investors who had not anticipated the news.