Definition

1. Noun:
   • The persistence or prolongation of a sound after its source has stopped, caused by reflection of sound waves: This is the primary acoustic meaning, describing the way sound continues in an enclosed space.
   • A continuing effect or impact of an event or action: This figurative meaning describes a consequence that is widespread, indirect, and often prolonged.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Acoustic):

  • The reverberation in the empty cathedral made the choir sound magnificent.
  • The engineer adjusted the room to reduce the reverberation time.

• Noun (Figurative):

  • The political scandal had reverberations throughout the entire government.
  • The economic policy's reverberations were felt by small businesses for a decade.

Advanced Usage

• "To have reverberations": to produce widespread and lasting effects.

  • The court's landmark decision is sure to have reverberations across the industry.

• "Reverberations of": used to specify the source of the continuing effects.

  • We are still dealing with the reverberations of the financial crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Reverberate (verb): (1) To be reflected many times, as sound waves. (2) To have a continuing and serious effect.

  • The thunder reverberated through the valley.
  • The news reverberated around the world.

• Reverberant (adjective): Tending to reverberate; having a rich, echoing sound.

  • The singer's voice filled the reverberant hall.

Synonyms

• Echo: A sound that is reflected off a surface and heard again. (More specific and immediate than "reverberation," which implies a complex, lingering series of reflections.)
• Aftermath: The consequences or effects of a significant event. (Similar to the figurative use, but "aftermath" often implies a period immediately following, while "reverberation" can imply effects over a longer, less direct timeframe.)
• Repercussion: An unintended consequence of an event or action. (Very close in meaning to the figurative use of "reverberation," often used interchangeably.)

Related Phrases

• Reverberation time: (Technical term) The time it takes for a sound to decay by 60 decibels in a space.
  • The acoustician measured the reverberation time of the concert hall.

Related Idioms

• "Send reverberations through": To cause a powerful and widespread reaction within a group or system.
  • The CEO's sudden resignation sent reverberations through the stock market.

Noun

1. a remote or indirect consequence of some action
   • his declaration had unforeseen repercussions
   • reverberations of the market crash were felt years later
2. the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
   • she could hear echoes of her own footsteps