Frequency

Definition

Frequency is a noun that refers to the rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time or within a given sample. In physics, it denotes the number of occurrences of a periodic event, such as a wave or vibration, per unit of time, typically measured in hertz (Hz).

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfriːkwənsi/
• Respelling: FREE-kwuhn-see

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfriːkwənsi/
• Respelling: FREE-kwuhn-see

Etymology

The term "frequency" originates from the Latin word "frequentia," meaning "a crowd or repeated occurrence," derived from "frequens," meaning "crowded or numerous." The word entered English in the late 16th century, initially describing the quality of being frequent before expanding to its scientific meaning.

Derivatives

• Frequent (adjective)
• Frequentation (noun)
• Frequentness (noun)
• Infrequency (noun)
• Frequenting (verb form)

Synonyms

• Rate
• Occurrence
• Repetition

Antonyms

• Infrequency
• Rarity
• Scarcity

Usage

The noun "frequency" is used in various contexts. In everyday language, it describes how often an event occurs, e.g., "The frequency of buses is every 10 minutes." In physics, it is applied to periodic phenomena, such as "The wave has a frequency of 50 Hz."

Related Terms

• Period: The time it takes for one cycle of a periodic event to occur.
• Amplitude: The magnitude of a wave's oscillation.
• Hertz: The unit of measurement for frequency.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The rate at which something occurs over a period of time: Refers to the number of times an event or action happens in a specific timeframe.
  • Example: "The frequency of customer complaints has decreased this year."
• The number of periodic events per unit time: In physics, it describes how many times a wave or vibration occurs in one second, typically measured in hertz.
  • Example: "The sound wave has a frequency of 440 Hz."
• A measure of regularity in occurrence: Refers to the consistency or commonality of an event or activity.
  • Example: "Her visits to the gym have increased in frequency."