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Blew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blew

[bluห ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Blew is the past tense of the verb 'blow', which means to push air out of the mouth with force. This action can be used in various contexts, such as blowing out candles, blowing wind, or producing sound by forcing air through an instrument. The term can also refer to the movement of air caused by natural elements, as in 'the wind blew softly.' Overall, it conveys an action that involves movement and energy.

Synonyms

blast, exhale, whoosh.

Examples of usage

  • She blew out the candles on her birthday cake.
  • The wind blew fiercely during the storm.
  • He blew into the trumpet to play a tune.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • The saying 'blew my mind' has become a popular expression indicating amazement or surprise.
  • In music, 'blues' is a genre that often evokes strong emotions, sometimes described as 'blowing off steam' through heartfelt expressions.
  • The novel 'The Great Gatsby' features themes of aspiration and illusion, often depicted through rich descriptions of the wind blowing, symbolizing change.

Science

  • In physics, blowing refers to the movement of air, creating pressure that can affect objects around us.
  • Air blowing from one area to another is influenced by temperature differences, demonstrating principles of fluid dynamics.
  • The study of wind patterns is crucial in meteorology, influencing weather systems and climate predictions.

Literature

  • Many poets use the imagery of the wind blowing to represent change, freedom, or emotional currents in their works.
  • Shakespeare often employed winds in his plays as metaphors for fate and unpredictability.
  • In children's literature, the act of blowing away leaves or dandelion seeds symbolizes childhood innocence and wonder.

Psychology

  • Sound symbolism suggests that words related to blowing often convey feelings of movement and change.
  • Research indicates that sounds associated with wind can evoke responses of relaxation or surprise, linking auditory cues to emotional states.
  • The concept of 'blowing off steam' reflects a psychological need for stress relief and the release of pent-up emotions.

Origin of 'blew'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blew' comes from the Old English word 'blฤwan', meaning to breathe or to blow.
  • English has many verbs that change form, and 'blew' is the past tense form of 'blow', showing how dynamic language can be.
  • In various Germanic languages, similar roots are found, like 'blasen' in German, which also means to blow.

The word 'blew' originates from the Old English term 'blฤwan', which means 'to blow' or 'to breathe.' Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*blฤ“(a)wลnฤ…', demonstrating similar meanings of blowing or breathing across various Germanic languages. Over time, the verb evolved in usage and form, with its past tense being 'blew' which has been consistently used since Middle English. The sound of blowing air has been a natural and essential action in human communication, represented linguistically through the word 'blow' and its variations. Its usage can be found in various expressions and cultural references, showcasing its versatility in describing actions that involve air movement.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,392 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.