Frequency
UK /["/ˈfriːkwənsi/"]/US /["/ˈfriːkwənsi/"]/
Definition
the rate at which something happens or is repeated
In simple words: How often something happens.
Examples
- The frequency of the class meetings has increased this semester.
- Doctors often monitor the frequency of a patient's symptoms to assess their condition.
- In physics, frequency refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time.
- The frequency with which birds migrate varies depending on the season.
- Music is made up of different frequencies which produce various tones.
Usage notes
Use 'frequency' when discussing how often events occur. Suitable for academic or technical contexts; avoid in very casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
frequency + of + noun
Memory hint
Remember 'frequency' by linking it to 'freequency'—think of free events happening often.
Collocations
- great
- increased
- increasing
- decrease in
- increase in
- decrease
- with frequency
- great
- increased
- increasing
- decrease in
- increase in
- decrease
- with frequency
- high
- low
- microwave
- range
- spectrum
- band
- high
- low
- microwave
- range
- spectrum
- band
Synonyms
- occurrence
- regularity
- repetition
- rate
- ratio
Antonyms
- infrequency
- rarity
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'frequency' with 'frequence'.
- Using 'frequencies' incorrectly in singular contexts.
- Misplacing the term in sentences regarding time intervals.