What does "amplitude" mean?
The measure of the size of something, especially its width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
Amplitude
/ˈæm.plɪ.tud/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The measure of the size of something, especially its width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
- Grammar: amplitude is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abundance, affluence, amount, ample sufficiency.
- Usage evidence: The mean value of the frequency decreases with increasing amplitude.
How to use "amplitude"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "amplitude" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "amplitude" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "amplitude" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "amplitude" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "amplitude" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abundance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "amplitude", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The measure of the size of something, especially its width or breadth; largeness, magnitude. countable, uncountable
"The cathedral of Lincoln […] is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese."
- 2 greatness of magnitude wordnet
- 3 The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic. countable, uncountable
- 4 the property of copious abundance wordnet
- 5 The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies. countable, uncountable
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 (physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave wordnet
- 7 The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator. countable, uncountable
- 8 The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object. countable, uncountable
- 9 The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range. countable, uncountable
- 10 The range of motion of the gymnast's body while performing a skill. countable, uncountable
- 11 The range of environmental conditions in which an organism can survive. countable, uncountable
Example
"The mean value of the frequency decreases with increasing amplitude."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "amplitude"?
Common synonyms include: abundance, affluence, amount, ample sufficiency, ampleness, antinode.
How do you use "amplitude" in a sentence?
The mean value of the frequency decreases with increasing amplitude.
How do you pronounce "amplitude"?
Pronounced /ˈæm.plɪ.tud/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French amplitude, from Latin amplitūdō, from amplus (“large”). By surface analysis, ample + -itude.