Audio: meaning, definitions and examples

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audio

[ˈɔːdiəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound technology

Sound that has been recorded and can be played back. It can include music, speech, or other sounds.

Synonyms

audio recording, sound clip, sound recording.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
audio	General term used to refer to any sound, especially in technical contexts like audio engineering, files, and devices. I need to check the audio levels before we start recording The new headphones deliver excellent audio quality
sound recording	Formal term commonly used in professional contexts to describe the act or result of capturing sound, often used interchangeably with 'audio recording.' The sound recording of the concert was excellent We need a sound recording of the podcast episode
audio recording	Specific term used when referring to the act of capturing sound or a file that contains recorded sound, usually in a formal context like interviews, lectures, or music. Please make sure the audio recording is clear We have an audio recording of the entire lecture
sound clip	Often used to refer to a short segment of sound, usually for multimedia projects or casual sharing. I downloaded a sound clip of a bird chirping for my presentation Can you send me a sound clip of that song?

Examples of usage

Let's listen to the audio recording of the concert.
The audiobook is available in both text and audio format.
She is studying audio engineering at the university.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

related to sound

Relating to the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast.

Synonyms

acoustic, sonic, sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
audio	General term used in reference to anything related to sound, especially in relation to broadcasting, reproduction, and recording. The audio quality of this podcast is excellent. He bought new audio equipment for his home studio.
sound	A broad term that can refer to noise, music, or any auditory phenomenon. It is also used in everyday language to describe levels of noise. The sound of traffic kept me awake all night. She enjoys the sound of rain on the roof.
acoustic	Related to the science of sound or its properties, often used to describe instruments or environments that naturally produce or manipulate sound without electronic amplification. They performed an acoustic set without any electronic instruments. The room's acoustic design makes it perfect for orchestral performances.
sonic	Pertains to the speed of sound or the physical properties of sound waves, often used in scientific or engineering contexts. The jet broke the sonic barrier. Sonic booms can be very loud and startling.

Examples of usage

The audio quality of the movie was excellent.
The audio equipment needs to be upgraded for better performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'audio' comes from the Latin word 'audire,' which means 'to hear.'
It first appeared in English in the 1940s, specifically relating to sound reproduction.
Associated with the rise of technology, its usage expanded significantly with the advent of radio and later, home audio systems.

Technology

The transition from analog to digital audio occurred in the late 20th century, enabling clearer sound quality.
Formats like MP3 revolutionized how audio is stored and shared, making it easier to enjoy music on the go.
Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have changed the way we access and enjoy audio content.

Psychology

Listening to audio, especially music, can significantly impact your mood and emotions, often used in therapy.
Research indicates that background audio can improve concentration and productivity in many people.
Familiar sounds or audiobooks can trigger memories and enhance cognitive recall.

Cultural Significance

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular, highlighting the importance of storytelling through sound.
Podcasts have surged in popularity, allowing for diverse discussions and storytelling in the audio format.
Sound design in films and video games is critical, as audio can intensify emotional responses and enhance the storytelling experience.

Science

Sound travels in waves, and its speed varies in different mediums – it's faster in water than in air.
The auditory system is capable of perceiving sounds of varying frequencies, which enables music appreciation.
Researchers study audio signals to better understand communication patterns in animals and humans alike.

Translations

Translations of the word "audio" in other languages:

🇵🇹 áudio

🇮🇳 ऑडियो

🇩🇪 Audio

🇮🇩 audio

🇺🇦 аудіо

🇵🇱 audio

🇯🇵 オーディオ

🇫🇷 audio

🇪🇸 audio

🇹🇷 ses

🇰🇷 오디오

🇸🇦 صوت

🇨🇿 audio

🇸🇰 audio

🇨🇳 音频

🇸🇮 avdio

🇮🇸 hljóð

🇰🇿 аудио

🇬🇪 აუდიო

🇦🇿 audio

🇲🇽 audio

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,638 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6635 reciprocal
6636 geology
6637 rewards
6638 audio
6639 postal
6640 irrelevant
6641 dispersed
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