The Butterfly Effect

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ðə ˈbʌtərflaɪ ɪˌfɛkt/

Definitions of the butterfly effect

noun a noun is a word that refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'butterfly effect' is a noun referring to the concept that small actions can have large, far-reaching consequences.

Example Sentences

A1 The butterfly effect is a concept in chaos theory.

A2 Some people believe that small actions can have big consequences, known as the butterfly effect.

B1 In science fiction movies, characters often try to change the past but end up causing the butterfly effect.

B2 The butterfly effect is used to explain how a small event can lead to major changes in a complex system.

C1 Economists study the butterfly effect to understand how small policy changes can impact the economy in significant ways.

C2 The concept of the butterfly effect highlights the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

article an article is a word that is used to specify a noun as definite or indefinite. In this case, 'the' is an article used before 'butterfly effect' to specify that it is a specific concept being referred to.

Example Sentences

A1 The butterfly effect is when a small action can have a big impact.

A2 In chaos theory, the butterfly effect refers to the idea that small changes can lead to large consequences.

B1 The concept of the butterfly effect is often used to explain how seemingly insignificant events can cause major changes.

B2 Scientists study the butterfly effect to understand how complex systems are interconnected and how small changes can create big effects.

C1 The butterfly effect is a key principle in chaos theory, illustrating how sensitive systems are to initial conditions.

C2 Understanding the butterfly effect requires a deep understanding of nonlinear dynamics and complex systems theory.

Examples of the butterfly effect in a Sentence

formal The butterfly effect is a concept in chaos theory that suggests small changes can have large effects on a complex system.

informal You know, like how one small decision can set off a chain reaction of events - it's the butterfly effect.

slang Dude, it's like when one little thing leads to a huge domino effect - that's the butterfly effect.

figurative Just like how a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can cause a tornado in Texas, our actions can have far-reaching consequences - it's the butterfly effect in action.

Grammatical Forms of the butterfly effect

past tense

caused

plural

butterfly effects

comparative

more butterfly effect

superlative

most butterfly effect

present tense

causes

future tense

will cause

perfect tense

has caused

continuous tense

is causing

singular

butterfly effect

positive degree

butterfly effect

infinitive

to cause

gerund

causing

participle

caused

Origin and Evolution of the butterfly effect

First Known Use: 1961 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'the butterfly effect' originated from the field of chaos theory, specifically in the context of weather prediction.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a scientific context to describe the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaotic systems, the term has since been popularized in popular culture to refer to the idea that small actions can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences.