Droned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ
droned
[droสnd ]
Definition
sound production
The term 'droned' refers to producing a continuous, low, monotonous sound, often likened to that of a drone. It can be used to describe a sound made by machinery, musical instruments, or even vocalizations. When a person droned, it typically implies a lack of variation in pitch or tone, leading to an almost hypnotic effect. This form of sound can be soothing but also tedious if prolonged, as it tends to lack the dynamic range of other types of sounds.
Synonyms
buzz, buzzed, hummed, murmured.
Examples of usage
- The teacher droned on about the history lesson.
- The bees droned softly as they moved from flower to flower.
- He droned his favorite tune while working in the garden.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Music
- In music, a 'drone' refers to a sustained note over which melodies are played, often found in traditional folk music.
- In Indian classical music, instruments like the tanpura create a drone that helps maintain a tonal center throughout a performance.
- The term is also used in modern electronic music to describe repetitive sounds that create a hypnotic atmosphere.
Psychology
- Studies show that prolonged exposure to droning sounds can lead to decreased concentration, making tasks seem more tedious.
- Droning voices in educational settings may challenge student attention spans, leading educators to vary their speaking styles.
- Interestingly, some people find comfort in monotonous sounds, using them for relaxation or to aid sleep.
Pop Culture
- Droning voices are often used in films and television to portray characters who are boring or unengaging.
- In podcasts and radio, hosts sometimes use a deliberate droned delivery to make certain points stand out or to evoke specific emotions.
- Certain comedians joke about 'droned' speeches to highlight how tedious presentations can be, connecting humor with everyday experiences.
Technology
- Drones, the flying devices, get their name from this word due to the monotonous humming sound they make while flying.
- They are increasingly used in various fields, including agriculture, delivering goods, and even in filmmaking to capture stunning aerial footage.
- The technology has evolved rapidly, leading to the creation of advanced drones capable of autonomous operation and delivery.
Origin of 'droned'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'droned' comes from the Old English word 'drฤn', which means a continuous humming sound.
- In the early 1400s, it was used to describe the buzzing of bees, reflecting the monotone quality associated with the word.
- The association with dull, monotonous speech likely developed from the way a droning sound can lull listeners into boredom.
The word 'droned' derives from the Old English term 'drฤn' meaning 'male bee,' which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic '*drลnin' meaning 'to make a buzzing sound.' The concept of buzzing or humming has cultural significance in many societies, often used to describe sounds that are repetitive and monotonous. As language evolved, so did the use of the term to encompass not just the sound made by bees but also any continuous low sound. By the 16th century, the use of the word expanded into musical contexts, where it described low, continuous tones, particularly in reference to musical instruments like bagpipes or the sustained base of choral music. Today, 'droned' carries both literal and figurative meanings, encompassing a wide range of contexts including monotous speech or music.