Here are some ways to understand the meaning:
* Like a storm: Tempestuous is often used to describe something that is chaotic, unpredictable, and potentially destructive, just like a tempest (a violent storm).
* Emotional intensity: It can describe a person's emotional state, like someone who is quick to anger, prone to outbursts, or intensely passionate about something.
* Unstable and dramatic: It can also describe a situation or relationship that is volatile and prone to sudden shifts and changes.
Examples:
* "Their relationship was tempestuous, filled with passionate arguments and make-ups."
* "The artist had a tempestuous personality, known for his fiery temper and eccentric behavior."
* "The political climate was tempestuous, with protests and unrest erupting across the country."
Synonyms:
* Stormy
* Turbulent
* Passionate
* Volatile
* Unstable
* Unpredictable
* Chaotic