Earshot: meaning, definitions and examples
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earshot
[ ˈɪrˌʃɔt ]
range, hearing
Earshot refers to the distance within which a person can hear something. It is commonly used to describe the vicinity in which someone's voice or a sound can be clearly perceived by another person. The term can also imply that someone is within range to overhear conversations or sounds that are not directly addressed to them. The concept of earshot varies depending on the loudness of the sound and the conditions of the environment.
Synonyms
auditory distance, hearing range, range of hearing
Examples of usage
- Please speak softly, I think we're within earshot of them.
- She was just out of earshot when he whispered the secret.
- It's important to stay out of earshot if you don't want to be overheard.
- They were loud enough to be heard within earshot.
- I stayed within earshot so I could hear the instructions.
Translations
Translations of the word "earshot" in other languages:
🇵🇹 audição
🇮🇳 सुनने की दूरी
🇩🇪 Hörweite
🇮🇩 jangkauan suara
🇺🇦 чутність
🇵🇱 zasięg słuchu
🇯🇵 耳に届く範囲
🇫🇷 portée d'audition
🇪🇸 alcance del oído
🇹🇷 duyma mesafesi
🇰🇷 듣는 범위
🇸🇦 نطاق السمع
🇨🇿 dosah slyšení
🇸🇰 dosah počutia
🇨🇳 听觉范围
🇸🇮 doseg sluha
🇮🇸 heyrnarsvæði
🇰🇿 есту диапазоны
🇬🇪 მოსმენის არეალი
🇦🇿 eşitmə məsafəsi
🇲🇽 alcance del oído
Word origin
The word 'earshot' originates from the combination of 'ear' and 'shot', where 'shot' refers to distance, often in a context of range. The term appears to have gained traction in the English language in the 19th century as a way to describe the audible distance between a person and a sound. The use of ‘shot’ in this manner is reminiscent of other expressions that indicate the degree of distance, such as ‘in sight’ or ‘within range.’ The metaphorical extension of the word emphasizes the capacity to hear rather than see, signifying an awareness of surroundings through auditory perception. As communication styles evolved, the word became relevant in discussing interpersonal conversations and the awareness of those who may inadvertently overhear private discussions. Its simplicity and utility in various contexts have kept it relevant in modern language.