Ripple
Word of the Day
What is Ripple?
noun
A small wave or series of waves on a surface; a spreading effect from a single action.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen for its symbolic value: on April 17, the surface was calm, but ripples of change were already beginning.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
Her decision sent ripples across the entire organization.
A pebble dropped in still water creates beautiful ripples.
You could feel the ripple of tension in the air.
Word Origins
Probably from Middle Dutch “ripelen”, meaning “to wrinkle or flicker”.
First used to describe water motion, now expanded to describe influence, emotions, and market effects.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
A ripple moved across the surface of the pond.
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Verb:
The crowd’s laughter rippled outward.
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Adjective:
He had rippling muscles and a calm smile.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: onda / efecto dominó
- French: ondulation / répercussion
- Italian: increspatura
- German: Welle / Nachwirkung
- Portuguese: ondulação / repercussão
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Reverberation
Often used in sound or metaphor to describe echoing effects — physical or emotional — that linger and repeat.
Resonance
A deeper, often emotional or symbolic response that continues or intensifies — more abstract than ripple.
Domino effect
A sequential chain of events caused by a single trigger — more mechanical, but powerful.
Aftershock
Used in seismology and metaphor to describe secondary events following a major one — stronger than a ripple, but part of the same motion.
Fun Facts
- “Ripple effect” is a key metaphor in systems thinking, economics, and psychology.
- NASA used high-speed cameras to study ripple patterns in zero gravity.
Cultural Usage
- Ripple is the title of a famous 1970 Grateful Dead song about life’s journey and subtle influence.
- Economists often refer to “ripple effects” when discussing how local changes impact global markets.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “wave” — but a ripple is smaller, subtler, and often the beginning of something larger.
Micro Story
He spoke softly, unaware that his words would ripple through generations.