wavelength
gb/wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/ us/wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
B2
English
~ 9500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
1
distance between two wave peaks
The distance from one top of a wave to the next top of the same wave, for example in light or sound.
Usage pattern:
the wavelength of [light/sound/a wave]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "wavelength" with "frequency". They are related but not the same: wavelength is a distance in space, while frequency is how many wave cycles happen per second. Another common mistake is writing it as two words ("wave length") instead of the correct single word "wavelength".
Collocations
light wavelength
|radio wavelength
|short wavelength
|long wavelength
|visible wavelengths
|measured in nanometers
Themes
science
|physics
|technology
Examples
- Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light.
- The scientist measured the wavelength of the laser beam with high precision.
- Radio stations broadcast on different wavelengths to avoid interference.
- Sound with a longer wavelength is heard as a lower pitch.
- This telescope can detect infrared wavelengths that the human eye cannot see.
Learner examples
- Red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.
- They studied the wavelength of the sound made by the bell.
- The teacher drew a wave and showed the class how to find its wavelength.
- This camera can see light with a very short wavelength.
- Different colors have different wavelengths.
Noun
B2
entity
2
someone’s style of thinking/understanding
A way of thinking or understanding, especially when it is the same as or different from another person’s way of thinking.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is on the same wavelength (as [someone])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think this meaning of "wavelength" can stand alone, but it is usually used in fixed phrases like "on the same wavelength" or "on a different wavelength". Another mistake is to say *"in the same wavelength" instead of the correct preposition "on" ("on the same wavelength").
Synonyms
mindset (Refers more generally to a person’s usual set of attitudes; it does not directly highlight similarity or connection with another person the way "wavelength" often does.)
|
outlook (Focuses on a person’s general view or attitude toward life or a situation, rather than on how well it matches someone else’s thinking in a moment of communication.)
Antonyms
misunderstanding (Highlights a lack of shared understanding, which is the opposite of being on the same wavelength with someone.)
|
disconnect (Suggests a clear failure to connect in ideas or feelings, the opposite of sharing a similar wavelength.)
Collocations
on the same wavelength
|on a different wavelength
|on my wavelength
|emotional wavelength
|mental wavelength
|be on somebody’s wavelength
Themes
communication
|relationships
|emotions
Examples
- We got on really well because we were on the same wavelength about work and family.
- I like her, but we’re just on a different wavelength when it comes to politics.
- It took a while, but once the team found a common wavelength, progress was much faster.
- He’s not on my wavelength at all, so meetings with him are always tiring.
- Their creative wavelengths matched perfectly, and the project was a success.
Learner examples
- My new boss and I are on the same wavelength.
- I feel we are on a different wavelength today.
- It is easy to work with her because she is on my wavelength.
- After we talked, we were finally on the same wavelength.
- Sometimes friends are not on the same wavelength about money.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
radio or broadcast channel
A special place on the radio band, defined by wavelength or frequency, that is used for one station or service.
Usage pattern:
[a service/station] is on [a] wavelength
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in modern usage, radio and TV stations are more commonly described by "frequency" rather than "wavelength". In some contexts, however, older or more technical texts still refer to the "wavelength" of a station.
Synonyms
frequency (In radio and telecommunications, people now usually name channels by frequency (in MHz or kHz), but it refers to the same part of the spectrum as a wavelength.)
|
channel (More general word for a communication route; does not necessarily mention physical wavelength.)
Collocations
broadcast wavelength
|medium-wave wavelength
|short-wave wavelength
|police radio wavelength
|tune to this wavelength
|share the same wavelength
Themes
technology
|media
|communication
Examples
- Emergency services all operate on a special wavelength reserved for them.
- You need to tune the receiver to the correct wavelength to hear that station.
- Military radios were set to a secure wavelength to avoid interception.
- The announcement told drivers which wavelength to switch to for traffic updates.
- Several stations used to share the same wavelength and had to take turns broadcasting.
Learner examples
- The police use a different wavelength from normal radios.
- Turn the dial until you find the right wavelength.
- This radio cannot receive that wavelength.
- They moved the station to a new wavelength.
- Many services work on their own radio wavelength.
Grammar
Dictionary form
wavelength
IPA
GB/wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
US/wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
Syllables & stress
wavelength (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (wavelength)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: wavelength
- Plural: wavelength, wavelengths
Word family
Expressions
on a different wavelength
1/ˈɔn ə dˈɪfɹənt wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
idiom
think in very different ways
To think in a very different way from someone else, so it is hard to understand each other.
Examples
- I like my colleagues, but we’re often on a different wavelength when it comes to risk.
- Teenagers and their parents can feel like they’re on a different wavelength about almost everything.
on someone's wavelength
1/ˈɔn sˈʌmwˌʌnz wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
idiom
share one person’s way of thinking
To understand how a particular person thinks or feels, and to think in a similar way.
Examples
- It’s hard to be on his wavelength if you don’t know much about technology.
- The director really wanted an editor who was on her wavelength creatively.
on the same wavelength
1/ˈɔn ðə sˈeɪm wˈeɪvlˌɛŋθ/
idiom
think or feel in the same way
To think in a very similar way to someone else, so you understand each other easily.
Examples
- From the first meeting, it was clear that the two designers were on the same wavelength.
- Let’s talk about this later, when we’re both calmer and on the same wavelength.
- Good teams work best when everyone is on the same wavelength about their goals.