perturbed
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
Feeling anxious or unsettled; worried or disturbed by something.
In physics/mathematics, a system that has been subjected to a small disturbance, causing it to deviate from its regular or predictable state.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While often describing an emotional state, it can also describe a formal state of disorder in a system. Implies a reaction to a specific cause, not a general temperament.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Perturbed' is slightly more common in British academic/formal writing.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of formal unease. In American usage, it can sometimes carry a slightly archaic or literary tone.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but higher in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be perturbed by somethingbe perturbed at somethingbe perturbed that + clauseperturbed expression/look/toneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'perturbed'. Related idiom: 'ruffle someone's feathers' (to perturb someone).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'Investors were perturbed by the quarterly losses.'
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and physical sciences. 'The perturbed orbit of the asteroid was studied.'
Everyday
Formal alternative to 'worried' or 'bothered'. 'She was perturbed by the strange noise.'
Technical
Standard term in physics, engineering, and maths for a disturbed system. 'The perturbed magnetic field was measured.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The news report perturbed the residents considerably.
- He did not wish to perturb her with the details.
American English
- The constant rumors perturbed the staff.
- She was perturbed by the lack of communication.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her perturbedly, unsure of what to say next. (Rare)
- She shook her head perturbedly. (Rare)
American English
- He reacted perturbedly to the sudden change. (Rare)
- She glanced perturbedly at the clock. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- She wore a perturbed expression throughout the meeting.
- The perturbed neighbour called the council about the noise.
American English
- He gave a perturbed sigh after reading the email.
- The perturbed witness couldn't recall all the details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The loud noise perturbed the baby.
- She was perturbed by his strange behaviour.
- The manager was visibly perturbed by the drop in sales figures.
- I felt perturbed that no one had informed me of the change.
- Scientists are perturbed by the accelerated rate of glacial melting.
- His equilibrium, usually unshakeable, was profoundly perturbed by the accusation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PERson TURBulent (troubled) in the miDBle - pER-TURB-ed. A turbulent (disturbed) feeling inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE/ORDER IS CALM WATER; PERTURBED IS DISTURBED/WAVY WATER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'pertinent' (уместный).
- Avoid over-translating as 'perturbirovat' (пертурбировать) which is a rare technical cognate; better to use 'беспокоить/взволновать' for the emotion.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'angry' (it means anxious/worried).
- Misspelling as 'pertubed' (missing 'r').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'bothered' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'perturbed' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal. In everyday speech, 'worried', 'bothered', or 'uneasy' are more common.
'Perturbed' usually refers to a state of mental anxiety or unease. 'Disturbed' can mean the same but is stronger and can also refer to interrupting someone/something or a serious mental/emotional disorder.
Almost never. It inherently describes a negative or unsettled state, either emotional or physical/systemic.
The adjective form ('perturbed') is significantly more common in usage than the verb ('to perturb').