Clack: meaning, definitions and examples

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clack

 

[klรฆk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A sharp, abrupt sound, as of two hard objects striking together.

Synonyms

clap, clatter, click.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clack

Used to describe a sharp sound made by closing something quickly, like a latch or a lock.

  • The door clacked shut behind him.
  • She clacked the lock into place.
click

Used to describe a short, sharp sound often made by pressing a button or a small object snapping into place. It can be mechanical or electronic.

  • She heard the click of the camera shutter.
  • The door clicked shut softly.
clatter

Describes a series of loud, banging noises, usually made when several hard objects hit against each other or fall down. This often implies a chaotic or noisy situation.

  • The dishes clattered as they fell to the floor.
  • He made a clatter as he hurriedly dumped the tools into the drawer.
clap

Typically used to describe the sound made by hands hitting together, either in applause or to attract attention.

  • The audience gave a thunderous clap after the performance.
  • She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

Examples of usage

  • The clack of the keys on the typewriter filled the room.
  • The clack of the horse's hooves echoed through the valley.
Context #2 | Verb

noise

To make an abrupt, sharp sound, as of two hard objects striking together.

Synonyms

clap, clatter, click.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clack

Used for sharp, quick sounds produced by striking objects together. It often describes repetitive mechanical or natural sounds.

  • The typewriter keys clack as he types quickly
click

Used for small, sharp, and usually short sounds, often associated with switches, or devices being operated.

  • She heard the click of the camera as she took the photo
clatter

Used for describing a series of loud, harsh sounds that occur when objects, especially metal ones, fall or hit each other.

  • The dishes clattered to the floor when she bumped into the table
clap

Used for loud, quick sounds often made by hands or similar objects striking together. It is often associated with applause or sudden loud noises.

  • The audience gave a big clap after the performance

Examples of usage

  • The old door clacked shut behind her.
  • The branches clacked against the window in the wind.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'clack' is believed to come from the Middle English 'clakken', which means to make a noise.
  • Related words can be found in various languages, such as 'klacken' in Dutch, highlighting the sound's international familiarity.
  • Early uses of the term describe the sound of clucking chickens or rattling carts.

Everyday Use

  • In many languages, sounds like 'clack' are used to describe similar quick noises, showing the universal nature of certain sounds.
  • In music, 'clack' could refer to the rhythm made by a percussion instrument, emphasizing speed and impact.
  • In everyday speech, people might use 'clack' to describe the sound of flip-flops, heels, or other shoes hitting the ground.

Pop Culture

  • In popular games, the sound effect 'clack' is often used when characters perform certain actions, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Clacking is popularly used in sports commentary to represent the sound of equipment, like the striking of rackets in tennis.
  • In movies, the 'clack' sound is often exaggerated for comedic effects, enhancing clumsy or funny moments.

Psychology

  • Sounds like 'clack' can evoke memories and feelings due to their sharpness, linking them to sudden events or surprises.
  • Some studies suggest that specific noises, like a 'clack', can capture attention better than softer sounds, making them effective in communication.
  • Associations with clacking sounds can create feelings of alertness or excitement, showing how sound impacts our emotions.

Literature

  • In poetry, the sound 'clack' can be used to evoke imagery of bustling city life or the excitement of gatherings.
  • Some authors use 'clack' to create auditory imagery, want readers to 'hear' the noises of a busy environment through words.
  • The sound of 'clack' can symbolize action or conflict, illustrating tension in narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "clack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estalido

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฒเฅˆเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Klacken

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bunyi ketukan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปะฐั†ะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stukot

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒใƒƒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท claquement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ chirrido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงatฤฑrtฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฐฐ์นต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทู‚ุทู‚ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cvaknutรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ cvaknutie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ’”ๅ—’ๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ klik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smellur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะตั€ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒšแƒแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cฤฑqqฤฑltฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ chirrido

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,529 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.