Clicking: meaning, definitions and examples

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clicking

[ˈklɪkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To press a button or perform a similar action on a computer mouse or touchscreen.

Synonyms

activate, press, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clicking	Typically used when describing the action performed with a mouse or a button on a website or app. Clicking on the link took me to the homepage Make sure you are clicking the right button to submit the form
press	Often used when referring to pushing a physical button or key. Can be used figuratively in certain contexts. Press the button to start the elevator He pressed enter to submit the code
select	Used when choosing an option from a list or menu, typically in digital interfaces. Select your country from the dropdown menu Please select the items you wish to purchase
activate	Used when turning on a function, feature, or device, often requiring a specific action to be carried out. You need to activate your account before you can log in Press the power button to activate the machine

Examples of usage

She was clicking on different links to navigate the website.
Click here to confirm your order.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sound

A short, sharp sound made by a computer mouse or other device when a button is pressed.

Synonyms

clack, snap, tick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clicking	The word 'clicking' is often used to describe the sound made by pressing a button or a small, sharp sound made by certain objects striking together lightly. The clicking sound of the keyboard filled the room. She heard the clicking of high heels on the pavement.
snap	'Snap' usually conveys a sudden, sharp sound that results from breaking, bending, or a quick movement. It often has a connotation of suddenness or abruptness. The twig broke with a loud snap. He snapped his fingers to get everyone's attention.
clack	'Clack' usually refers to a slightly louder, repetitive sound often associated with mechanical actions or objects striking together. The train's wheels made a clacking noise as it moved along the tracks. The old typewriter made a distinct clack with every keystroke.
tick	'Tick' refers to a light, recurring sound often associated with clocks or timers counting the passage of time. It can also indicate a small mark or sign. The quiet ticking of the clock was soothing. She placed a tick next to each completed task.

Examples of usage

I heard a soft click as she pressed the mouse button.
The click of the camera shutter filled the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated in the 16th century, derived from the Middle Dutch word ‘klinken,’ which means to sound or ring.
The Onomatopoeic nature of the word mimics the sound itself, linking the sound to its action directly.
In linguistic terms, the 'k' sound at the beginning is often associated with quickness in various languages.

Technology

In programming, 'clicking' often refers to user interactions with interface elements, enabling commands or navigation.
Mouse clicks are fundamental to computer operation, making them a critical tool for accessing apps and the internet.
Touch screens use a similar principle, where tapping or clicking can create an instant response on the screen.

Psychology

The sound of clicking can trigger a Pavlovian response, where individuals associate the sound with specific outcomes or actions.
Studies show that auditory cues, like clicking noises, can enhance focus and improve cognitive performance in tasks.
Many people unconsciously click pens or other items when nervous, a behavior linked to stress relief and concentration.

Cultural References

Clicking has been featured in various memes and viral videos, often used to express agreement or excitement.
Musical artists incorporate clicking sounds into songs, creating rhythmic patterns that enhance the beats.
In certain cultures, clicking sounds are used for communication, such as in the Khoisan languages of southern Africa.

Literature

Clicking can symbolize moments of realization or awareness in literature, marking turning points in a narrative.
In some modern novels, characters’ interactions with technology are often described using clicking to portray urgency.
Writers often use the sound of clicking in metaphors to depict connections between ideas or characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "clicking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clicando

🇮🇳 क्लिकिंग

🇩🇪 klicken

🇮🇩 mengklik

🇺🇦 клацання

🇵🇱 klikanie

🇯🇵 クリックする

🇫🇷 cliquant

🇪🇸 haciendo clic

🇹🇷 tıklama

🇰🇷 클릭

🇸🇦 النقر

🇨🇿 klikání

🇸🇰 kliknutie

🇨🇳 点击

🇸🇮 klik

🇮🇸 smellur

🇰🇿 шертпе

🇬🇪 დაწკაპუნება

🇦🇿 klikləmək

🇲🇽 haciendo clic

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,553, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12550 bulky
12551 subversive
12552 seasoned
12553 clicking
12554 confided
12555 vibrational
12556 transversely
...