Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cavernously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏞️
Add to dictionary

cavernously

[ˈkæv.ɚ.nəs.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

descriptive tone

The term 'cavernously' describes something that is deep, hollow, and echoing, much like a cavern. It often refers to a tone of voice that is deep and resonant, suggesting spaciousness and emptiness. For example, a cavernous voice can evoke feelings or moods that are dramatic and profound. Additionally, it can describe physical spaces that are large and echoing, such as a cavernous hall or room, underscoring its vastness.

Synonyms

deeply, hollowly, resonantly.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke cavernously, filling the room with his deep voice.
  • The concert hall was cavernously designed for optimal acoustics.
  • Her laughter echoed cavernously through the empty house.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Literature

  • In literature, descriptions of landscapes can often use this term to evoke feelings of mystery or grandeur.
  • Visual artists might depict 'cavernously' shaped spaces to create depth and a sense of awe in their work.
  • The term can also describe the deep, resonant voice of actors or singers in performances, adding emotion to their presence.

Geology

  • Caverns are often formed through geological processes like erosion, and they can house unique ecosystems.
  • These deep spaces can also contain significant mineral deposits, impacting local economies and industries.
  • Famous caverns, like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, demonstrate the vastness and intricate formations that 'cavernously' describes.

Psychology

  • The term's association with deep spaces can evoke feelings of loneliness or introspection in individuals.
  • Sound travels differently in cavernous spaces, which might impact how people feel about noise and silence, influencing mood.
  • In therapy, creating a 'cavernous' mental space can help individuals process emotions and thoughts more deeply.

Architecture

  • Architects often use cavernous designs in large public spaces, like cathedrals or concert halls, to enhance acoustics.
  • This word can describe elements of building style that prioritize openness and vastness, contributing to feelings of grandeur.
  • Revival of 'cavernous' styles in modern architecture aims to create spaces that feel both grand and inviting.

Origin of 'cavernously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'cavus,' meaning hollow, suggesting a space that's empty or deep.
  • It was first used in English in the early 19th century, evolving to describe large, echoing spaces.
  • Related words include 'cavern' and 'cavity,' both showing the root meaning of hollowness.

The word 'cavernously' derives from 'cavern', which comes from the Latin 'caverna', meaning 'cave' or 'hollow'. The term embodies the characteristics of being spacious and echoing, as one would find in natural caves. The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs indicating the manner of an action. This word has evolved in English to retain its descriptive quality, often applied in both literary and colloquial contexts to convey deep resonance or vast emptiness, enhancing vivid imagery in descriptions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,730, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.