ripple
/ˈrɪpl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈrɪpl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈri-pəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈrɪp.əl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈrɪp.əl/ (ame, ipa)
ripple — noun
- ripplesingular
- ripplesplural
1. a small raised area on the surface of a liquid, such as water, caused by the win
a small raised area on the surface of a liquid, such as water, caused by the wind, an object moving through it, or something dropping into it
Mei threw a small pebble into the pond and watched the ripples spread outward.
ripples spread outward — verb collocation
The moonlight shone on the gentle ripples that moved slowly across the lake.
A sudden breeze created tiny ripples on the surface of the swimming pool.
The fisherman's boat left a trail of ripples that faded as they reached the shore.
- wave
a larger movement of water; ripples are specifically small waves
- wavelet
a literary or technical term for a small wave, similar to ripple
- undulation
a more formal term for any wavy motion on a surface
文法句型
a ripple on [surface]
ripples spread across [surface]
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form (ripples) when describing the surface of water.
常見錯誤
2. a feeling, sound, or result that starts in one person or place and gradually spr
a feeling, sound, or result that starts in one person or place and gradually spreads to others, becoming stronger and then fading away
The news of the factory closure sent ripples of worry through the small town.
send ripples of [emotion] through [group]
A ripple of applause spread across the theatre after the final scene ended.
a ripple of [sound] — pattern for gradual spreading
The CEO's sudden resignation caused ripples that were felt throughout the company.
A ripple of excitement went through the crowd when the singer stepped onto the stage.
- ripple effect
a specific phrase describing how one event causes a series of other events
- shockwave
a much stronger, more dramatic impact; ripples are gentler and gradual
- repercussion
an indirect result that follows an action, often negative
文法句型
a ripple of [emotion/sound]
send ripples through [group/place]
cause a ripple
用法筆記
Commonly followed by 'of + noun' (a ripple of laughter, applause, excitement) or used with 'send/cause ripples through' to describe impact spreading across a group or system.
常見錯誤
3. a type of ice cream that has a plain base colour or flavour mixed with thin wavy
a type of ice cream that has a plain base colour or flavour mixed with thin wavy lines of a second flavour, such as strawberry or chocolate
Kofi ordered a cone of raspberry ripple ice cream from the shop at the pier.
[flavour] + ripple — naming pattern
The dessert menu offered vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ripple as the three choices.
Farid chose a bowl of fudge ripple instead of plain chocolate for his birthday treat.
The children loved the strawberry ripple with bright red stripes in white ice cream.
文法句型
[flavour] ripple
a bowl of [flavour] ripple
用法筆記
The flavour name comes before 'ripple', for example 'strawberry ripple' or 'fudge ripple'. This meaning is more common in British English than American English.
ripple — verb
- ripplepresent simple I / you / we / they
- ripples3rd person singular
- rippling-ing form
- rippledpast simple
1. to move or make something move in small wavy patterns on the surface of a liquid
to move or make something move in small wavy patterns on the surface of a liquid; also used to describe fabric, hair, or muscles that move with a gentle wavy motion
A light wind rippled the river, breaking the reflection of the old bridge.
[wind] ripples [surface] — transitive use
The water rippled gently as a swan glided across the pond.
The silk curtains rippled in the warm breeze from the open window.
When Ananya lifted the heavy suitcase, the muscles in her arms rippled noticeably.
Heat from the hot road made the air ripple like water on a summer day.
文法句型
[liquid/surface] ripples
[wind/object] ripples [surface]
[muscle/fabric] ripples
用法筆記
Can be used literally (water, fabric) or for visual effects (heat haze, light). The intransitive form describes the surface moving by itself; the transitive form describes an external force causing the movement.