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wavelength

wavelength

12 4.5
A similar way of thinking that helps people understand each other easily
  • noun
  • /ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ/
  • Informal
translation icon : onda
  • I appreciate how we can communicate effortlessly because we are on the same wavelength.
  • same wavelength

It's on the same wavelength as Azel Swimming now.

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Examples

  • A few lectures to put everyone on the same wavelength; occasional discussion groups; some one-on-ones with the instructor.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • We've always been on the same wavelength, Eric.

  • And yeah, like I said, I think we can get on the same wavelength pretty easy.

  • And it's a huge advantage to have two people who are sort of on the same wavelength about things working together.

  • You and I are on the same wavelength, and I thank you for your support.

    Blog text (24)
  • I felt like we were on the same wavelength.

  • Just as this thought occurred to me, the two of us hit the same wavelength.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I just hadn't realized that we were on the same wavelength here.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • When you and your patient are on the same wavelength, better communication (in both directions) is achieved.

    Academic text (2010)
  • In this, the United States and Saudi Arabia, with its considerable oil revenues, were on the same wavelength.

    Academic text (2002)

Synonyms

resonance
vswavelength
11 7.1

A strong feeling of understanding and connection between people

is simpler, focusing on shared thinking and feeling rather than relational trust
compatibility
vswavelength
9 3.9

A situation where two people understand each other and get along

is about a shared way of thinking or feeling, not general harmonious coexistence
on the same wavelength
vswavelength
6 3.8

Share the same ideas and understand each other

is broader, focusing on shared inner feeling rather than explicit conversational agreement
mutuality
vswavelength
4 6.4

A shared feeling or quality between at least two people

is narrower, describing specifically shared thought or feeling rather than general reciprocity
common wavelength
vswavelength
  • Informal
3.9

A situation where people understand each other and agree

is a shared way of thinking or feeling that enables easy mutual understanding

Antonyms

When someone does not understand something correctly and this causes a problem

Being separate from people, things, or contact, for example losing internet

Idioms

Share the same ideas and understand each other

Compounds

3.9

A situation where people understand each other and agree

How Aligned

rapport
42 5.5
wavelength
  • Informal
12 4.5
discord
26 5.6

Surface Forms

wavelength singular
wavelengths plural

Morphology

wavelength = wave + length (semi-transparent) = wave + length

The figurative sense is metaphorically extended from the physical concept (shared 'wavelength' as similar phase/measure), so components are recognizable but the interpersonal meaning is not literal.

Etymology

Wavelength is also used about people being 'on the same wavelength'. A helpful way to remember this is to think of radio: when two waves have the same 'length' they match and connect, so people on the same wavelength understand each other quickly.