high frequency
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
Occurring very often or repeatedly within a short period.
In scientific and technical contexts, refers specifically to oscillations, waves, or electromagnetic signals with a high rate of recurrence, typically above the range of human hearing (>20,000 Hz).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adjective-noun compound, often hyphenated ('high-frequency') when used attributively. The concept inherently involves a comparative scale.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. 'High-frequency trading' is a common term in both financial contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to positive; suggests efficiency, modernity, or statistical significance.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with perhaps slightly higher frequency in American technical and business writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[high-frequency] + nounnoun + of + [high frequency]verb + at + [a high frequency]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a high-frequency basis”
- “Operating at a high frequency”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to algorithmic stock trading executed at extremely high speeds (high-frequency trading).
Academic
Used in linguistics for common words, in statistics for common data points, and in physics/engineering for wave properties.
Everyday
Used to describe common events, like 'high-frequency bus services' or 'high-frequency complaints'.
Technical
Pertains to electronics (HF radio), acoustics (ultrasound), and signal processing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The council introduced a high-frequency bus route through the estate.
- We need to filter out the high-frequency noise from the signal.
American English
- The city implemented a high-frequency train schedule downtown.
- High-frequency trading algorithms dominate the market.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- These are high-frequency words you should learn first.
- The doctor used a machine that makes a high-frequency sound.
- Analysing high-frequency data requires powerful computers.
- The study focused on the acoustic properties of high-frequency consonant clusters.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bee's wings: they buzz at a HIGH FREQUENCY, moving very fast, very often.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (high frequency = events are packed closely together). IMPORTANCE IS SIZE/HEIGHT (high-frequency words are 'top' or 'core' vocabulary).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'высокая частота' for non-technical contexts; use 'часто встречающийся' or 'распространённый' instead.
- Do not confuse with 'high speed' ('высокая скорость'); frequency is about rate of occurrence, not velocity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'high frequency' as an adverb without 'at' (e.g., 'It happens high frequency' instead of 'It happens at a high frequency').
- Confusing 'frequency' (how often) with 'intensity' (how strong).
Practice
Quiz
In a financial context, what does 'high-frequency' typically modify?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun ('high-frequency signal'). It is not hyphenated when used predicatively ('The signal is of high frequency') or as a noun phrase on its own.
The direct opposite is 'low frequency'. In non-technical language, synonyms for the opposite concept include 'infrequent', 'rare', or 'occasional'.
Not directly. It describes events, actions, or signals. You can describe a person's actions (e.g., 'a high-frequency traveller') but not the person's inherent quality.
In acoustics, ultrasound is a type of high-frequency sound wave, specifically above the range of human hearing (~20 kHz). So all ultrasound is high-frequency, but not all high-frequency sound is ultrasound (some high-pitched audible sounds are also high-frequency).