amplitude: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2)Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “amplitude” mean?
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium; the greatest distance that a wave, especially a sound or radio wave, moves up and down.
The maximum extent or breadth of something; a large amount or wide range.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Usage is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is scientific/technical precision. In literary or figurative use, it connotes grandeur or abundance.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, primarily found in scientific, technical, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amplitude” in a Sentence
amplitude of [noun]with an amplitude of [measurement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amplitude” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not a verb]
American English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not a verb]
adverb
British English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not an adverb]
American English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not an adjective]
American English
- [The word 'amplitude' is not an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in phrases like 'the amplitude of the market downturn'.
Academic
Common in physics, mathematics, engineering, and signal processing papers. E.g., 'measuring the amplitude of seismic waves'.
Everyday
Very rare. A non-specialist might use 'the amplitude of her knowledge was impressive' in very formal speech.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to the magnitude of a periodic variable, e.g., 'adjust the amplitude of the oscillator'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amplitude”
- Using 'amplitude' as a synonym for 'amplification' (e.g., 'the amplitude of the sound' vs. 'the amplification of the sound').
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'size' or 'amount' would be more appropriate, sounding unnaturally technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Amplitude is a physical property of the sound wave that correlates with our perception of loudness (volume). Greater amplitude generally means greater loudness, but volume is the subjective perception.
Yes, but it's formal and somewhat literary. It can describe the great scope, range, or fullness of something non-physical (e.g., 'the amplitude of his generosity'). In everyday speech, words like 'breadth' or 'extent' are more common.
It's a method of encoding information on a radio wave by varying (modulating) the wave's amplitude, while keeping its frequency constant. This is the basis of AM radio broadcasting.
Amplitude is about the 'size' or 'strength' of a wave (how high the peaks are). Frequency is about the 'speed' of the wave (how many wave cycles occur in a second). For sound, amplitude relates to loudness, frequency relates to pitch.
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
Amplitude is usually formal, technical in register.
Amplitude: in British English it is pronounced /ˈamplɪtjuːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmplɪtuːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AMPLIfy' + 'altitude'. Amplitude is about the 'height' or size that something (like a wave) is amplified to.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS IMPORTANCE / QUANTITY IS VERTICALITY. A larger amplitude signifies a stronger, more significant, or more powerful wave or phenomenon.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'amplitude' MOST appropriately used?