Frequency
'friːkwənsi
Definitions
2 meaningsThe number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time.
'friːkwənsi
The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time or in a given sample.
The frequency of the concerts has increased.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're counting how many times a door opens in an hour. Frequency is the number of times it opens! For example, the frequency of my dog barking might be high in the evening, when the mailman comes!
👶 For kids: How many times something happens.
More Examples
The doctor asked about the frequency of the headaches.
The data showed a high frequency of errors.
How It's Used
"The frequency of the radio waves is measured in Hertz."
"The frequency of a particular event in a dataset."
"The frequency of his visits decreased over time."
The number of complete cycles of a wave, vibration, or oscillation per unit of time and often measured in hertz.
'friːkwənsi
The number of cycles per unit of time of a wave or other oscillating phenomenon.
The radio transmits signals on a specific frequency.
💡 Simply: Imagine waves at the beach. Frequency is how many waves crash on the shore in a minute. A higher frequency means lots of waves!
👶 For kids: How many times something wiggles or goes up and down.
More Examples
The frequency of the signal was too high to be received.
Engineers adjusted the frequency to match the receiver.
How It's Used
"Radio stations broadcast at specific frequencies."
"The operating frequency of the processor is 3 GHz."
From Latin *frequentia* (“a crowd, assemblage; a frequent occurrence”), from *frequens* (“frequent, numerous”).
Used since the 17th century, initially related to the concept of a large number or crowd, later evolving to its current scientific and general usage.
Memory tip
Think of how often things 'frequent' (visit) a location. Frequency is how often something happens.
Word Origin
"crowd, numerous"