Definition

Adjective: 1. Having the quality of echoing or resounding: Describes a sound that is reflected repeatedly, creating a full, rich, or prolonged effect. 2. Capable of or characterized by reverberation: Describes a space or material that causes sound to be reflected many times.

Usage

The adjective "reverberant" is used to describe sounds or the environments that produce them. It often implies a sense of fullness, depth, and persistence of sound due to reflection.

Examples

• The reverberant sound of the gong filled the temple hall for nearly a minute.
• Singing in the reverberant space of the cathedral was a powerful experience.
• The tunnel was so reverberant that even a whisper could be heard from far away.
• His voice was deep and reverberant, commanding attention in the large room.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Acoustic Context: In acoustics, a "reverberant field" is the part of a room where reflected sound dominates over the direct sound from the source.
  • The microphone was placed in the reverberant field to capture the room's character.
• Figurative Use: While less common, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that has a continuing impact or effect.
  • The poet's reverberant words stayed with the audience long after the reading.

Variants and Related Words

• Reverberate (verb): To echo or resound; to be reflected many times.
  • The thunder reverberated through the valley.
• Reverberation (noun): The persistence of sound in a space due to repeated reflections; an echo.
  • The reverberation time of the concert hall is precisely calculated.
• Reverberatory (adjective): Relating to or characterized by reverberation, often used in technical contexts (e.g., a reverberatory furnace).

Synonyms

• Echoing
• Resounding
• Resonant
• Ringing

Antonyms

• Dead (as in acoustically dead)
• Muffled
• Non-resonant
• Soundproof

Adjective

1. having a tendency to reverberate or be repeatedly reflected
   • a reverberant room
   • the reverberant booms of cannon