Groan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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groan
[ɡrəʊn ]
Definitions
sound
Make a low, guttural sound expressing physical or mental suffering.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| groan |
Often used to describe a deep, inarticulate sound made in response to pain or despair. It can also suggest annoyance or disapproval.
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| moan |
Frequently used to describe a prolonged, low sound typically made in pain or discomfort. Also can be used for expressing dissatisfaction or complaints.
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| whine |
Commonly implies a high-pitched, irritating complaint, often perceived as immature or annoying.
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| grumble |
Refers to complaining in a low, mumbling voice, often about something that is perceived as unjust or unfair.
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Examples of usage
- She groaned in pain as she tried to stand up.
- He groaned with disappointment when he saw the final score.
expression
A low, guttural sound expressing physical or mental suffering.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| groan |
Use when expressing a deep sound of pain or despair. Often associated with physical or emotional distress.
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| moan |
Appropriate when someone is expressing prolonged sounds of pain, discomfort, or pleasure. It often has a continuous and low-pitched character.
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| whine |
Used when someone is complaining in a high-pitched, often annoying voice. Almost always carries a negative connotation.
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| grumble |
Common in situations where someone is muttering complaints or expressing discontent under their breath.
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Examples of usage
- The groan of the injured soldier echoed through the battlefield.
- She let out a groan of frustration when she realized she had lost her keys.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The famous TV show 'Friends' often included comedic groans from characters, signaling exasperation or frustration in humorous situations.
- In movies, a character's groan often hints at a plot twist, like an unexpected revelation or an unwanted task.
- Groaning has become a meme in various internet cultures, often used humorously to express fatigue or annoyance about mundane life events.
Psychology
- Groaning is often an involuntary vocalization during physical distress, revealing emotional and physical states of discomfort.
- Studies show that humans express more groans when confronted with stressful tasks, indicating a link between vocalization and stress response.
- Research suggests that animal groans, similar to human ones, can indicate fear or distress, emphasizing a universal aspect of communication.
Literature
- Authors frequently utilize groaning as a literary device to convey tension or discomfort, bridging characters' inner feelings with their external actions.
- In classic literature, characters groan to depict their struggles or inner conflicts, deepening the reader's understanding of their plight.
- Poets often use the sound of groaning to evoke an emotional response, linking physical pain to a metaphorical expression of suffering.
Music
- Groaning sounds can be mimicked in various music styles, particularly in blues and rock, to convey deep emotion and connection.
- Some musical compositions incorporate groans as part of their rhythm, creating a unique atmospheric experience.
- In opera, a character's groan can reflect despair or longing, adding a powerful layer to the emotional narrative of the performance.
Origin of 'groan'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'groan' comes from the Old English word 'granian,' which meant to moan or complain.
- It is related to the German word 'grunzen,' which means to grunt, showcasing shared linguistic roots.
- The usage of 'groan' in English can be traced back to before the 12th century, indicating its long-standing presence in the language.
The word 'groan' originated from Middle English 'gronen', which is of imitative origin. The verb has been used since the late Middle English period to describe the sound of a person expressing pain, discomfort, or displeasure. Over time, 'groan' has become a commonly used word in English to depict various forms of audible expressions of suffering or dissatisfaction.