perturbation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "perturbation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of great worry, anxiety, or confusion. For example, "The sudden change to his daily routine caused him a great deal of perturbation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another perturbation method is to assume that there is a solution to the perturbed equation of the form f + εg1 + ε2g2 +... etc., in which the g1, g2,... etc., are unknown, and then to substitute this series into the equation, resulting in a collection of equations to solve corresponding to each power of ε.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the techniques of perturbation theory have become ever more sophisticated it is somewhat disturbing that perturbative methods could not be avoided even in principle.

SEP

But it is also an angel, and Mary shows her perturbation and awe at the message she receives.

The Guardian - Arts

For this purpose it relies on the concept of equilibrium, similar to the resting place of the pendulum, which is the same irrespective of any temporary perturbation.

The Economist

(Again, this was done by observing the effects of gravitational perturbation, this time on the light of the stars in question).

The Economist

When a high power microwave pulse in the gigahertz range strikes the body, a small temperature perturbation occurs.

The Economist

The great glaciers impose order on the icy sprawl, flowing down to a semi-frozen sea.The ice cap is still, frozen in perturbation.

The Economist

The name "temperature jump" is usually reserved for the relaxation technique in which a stepwise temperature perturbation is achieved by passing a large electric current through the solution under study and thus heating it almost instantaneously; another method is to apply ultrasonic radiation to the system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Provided that the rise time of the temperature pulse is much shorter and the thermal re-equilibration time much longer than the response time of the chemical reaction being studied, the temperature jump can be approximated as a step perturbation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This equilibrium must be stable, which is to say that the plasma will return to its original state following any small perturbation, such as continual random thermal "noise" fluctuations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This "perturbation" was interpreted as being caused by the gravitational pull of two planetary companions having orbital periods of 13.5 and 19 years, respectively, and masses of about two-thirds that of Jupiter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perturbation" in scientific contexts, ensure you clearly define the system being perturbed and the nature of the disturbance. For instance, specify the type of "perturbation", such as a 'temperature "perturbation"' or a 'gravitational "perturbation"'.

Common error

Avoid using "perturbation" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "disturbance" or "change" would suffice. While technically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "perturbation" is as a noun. It denotes a disturbance, alteration, or deviation from a normal or expected state. As Ludwig AI explains, it encompasses both physical changes and emotional states. The examples show its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perturbation" is a versatile noun primarily used in formal and scientific contexts to describe a disturbance or deviation from a normal state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific research, encyclopedias, and news media. While it can also refer to emotional distress, this usage is less frequent. For clarity, ensure you define the system being perturbed and the nature of the disturbance when using it in technical writing. Avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler terms may be more appropriate. Remember its distinction from "disturbance", with "perturbation" often implying a more quantifiable change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbance

This term refers to an interruption of peace or quiet; a deviation from the normal state.

disruption

This implies a more significant disturbance, breaking the continuity of something.

agitation

This indicates a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

alteration

This suggests a change or modification, often minor.

variation

This refers to a change or difference in condition, amount, or level.

fluctuation

This implies irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

anomaly

This denotes something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

instability

This suggests a lack of stability and proneness to change or disruption.

irregularity

This indicates a departure from established rules or expected behavior.

upset

This implies a state of being worried, unhappy, or angry.

FAQs

How is "perturbation" used in scientific research?

"Perturbation" is commonly used to describe a small change or disturbance in a system. Researchers might study how a system responds to a specific "small change" or "perturbation" to understand its underlying dynamics and stability.

What's the difference between "perturbation" and "disturbance"?

While both words imply a disruption, "perturbation" often refers to a more controlled or quantifiable change, especially in scientific contexts. "Disturbance" can be a broader term for any kind of "disruption", whether measured or not.

Can "perturbation" describe an emotional state?

Yes, "perturbation" can describe a state of emotional distress or agitation, although this usage is less common than its scientific application. Other words like "anxiety" or "unease" are more typical in such contexts.

What are some examples of "perturbation" in physics?

In physics, "perturbation" can refer to a small change in a planet's orbit due to the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies, or a slight "temperature fluctuation" in a system being studied.