frequency

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   How often something happens within a period of time.

   Grammar: Uncountable for the general idea; a frequency names one rate.

   Patterns

   • frequency of something
   • increase or reduce frequency
   • low or high frequency

   The frequency of accidents rose during winter.

   Doctors noted the frequency of headaches in the patient.

   Bus service frequency improves on weekdays.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountablephysicstechnical

   In physics, the number of complete waves, cycles, or vibrations each second, measured in hertz.

   Grammar: Used with singular or plural in technical contexts; often modified by high or low.

   Patterns

   • high or low frequency
   • frequency of a wave
   • radio frequency

   A higher frequency means more cycles each second.

   The radio was tuned to the correct frequency.

   Sound pitch depends partly on frequency.

Word forms

Common combinations

frequency of use

The frequency of use affected the machine's repair schedule.

high frequency

Dogs can hear some very high frequency sounds.

radio frequency

The device operated on a safe radio frequency.

relative frequency

The chart shows the relative frequency of each answer.

Synonyms and how they differ

rate

General measure over time; frequency specifically counts repetitions.

incidence

Formal, often for events or cases such as disease, not for waves.

regularity

Emphasizes even timing; frequency only says how often.

recurrence

Emphasizes happening again, especially something unwanted.

Opposites

Word family

frequent adjective

Happening often.

frequently adverb

Often; many times.

infrequent adjective

Not happening often.

infrequently adverb

Rarely; not often.

Commonly confused: frequency or frequently? frequency or freak?

Practice

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