butterfly effect

• Konzept aus der Chaostheorie, das beschreibt, wie eine kleine Änderung in einem Zustand eines deterministischen nichtlinearen Systems zu großen Unterschieden im späteren Zustand führen kann; wird oft metaphorisch verwendet, um zu veranschaulichen, wie geringfügige Handlungen weitreichende Folgen haben können.

A concept from chaos theory describing how a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state, often used metaphorically to illustrate how minor actions can have far-reaching consequences.

1. Chaos theory conceptC1formal

   The phenomenon in chaos theory where a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.

   Schmetterlingseffekt

   • The butterfly effect suggests that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could cause a tornado in Texas.
   • In weather forecasting, the butterfly effect explains why long-term predictions are so difficult.
   • The concept of the butterfly effect was popularized by Edward Lorenz.

2. Figurative meaningB2informal

   Used to describe how small, seemingly insignificant actions can have large, unforeseen consequences.

   Schmetterlingseffekt

   • His decision to take a different route to work was a butterfly effect that led to him meeting his future wife.
   • The butterfly effect of that one missed phone call changed the entire course of the project.
   • She believes that every small choice is a butterfly effect that shapes her future.