Groan: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ซ
Add to dictionary

groan

 

[ษกrษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

Make a low, guttural sound expressing physical or mental suffering.

Synonyms

grumble, moan, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

  • He let out a groan as he lifted the heavy box.
  • She groaned when she heard the bad news.
moan

Frequently used to describe a prolonged, low sound typically made in pain or discomfort. Also can be used for expressing dissatisfaction or complaints.

  • She moaned softly in her sleep.
  • They moaned about the terrible service at the restaurant.
whine

Commonly implies a high-pitched, irritating complaint, often perceived as immature or annoying.

  • The child whined when he didn't get his way.
  • She is always whining about how unfair her life is.
grumble

Refers to complaining in a low, mumbling voice, often about something that is perceived as unjust or unfair.

  • The employees grumbled about the new company policy.
  • He grumbled as he was forced to work overtime.

Examples of usage

  • She groaned in pain as she tried to stand up.
  • He groaned with disappointment when he saw the final score.
Context #2 | Noun

expression

A low, guttural sound expressing physical or mental suffering.

Synonyms

grumble, moan, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
groan

Use when expressing a deep sound of pain or despair. Often associated with physical or emotional distress.

  • He let out a groan as he lifted the heavy box.
  • She groaned in frustration when she realized she'd have to start over.
moan

Appropriate when someone is expressing prolonged sounds of pain, discomfort, or pleasure. It often has a continuous and low-pitched character.

  • She moaned in pain after stubbing her toe.
  • The wind made the trees moan eerily outside.
whine

Used when someone is complaining in a high-pitched, often annoying voice. Almost always carries a negative connotation.

  • The child whined about not getting any candy.
  • Stop whining and finish your chores.
grumble

Common in situations where someone is muttering complaints or expressing discontent under their breath.

  • He grumbled about having to work late again.
  • The students grumbled when they heard about the extra homework.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "groan" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gemido

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฐเคพเคน

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stรถhnen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ erangan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะพะณั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jฤ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ†ใ‚ใๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gรฉmissement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gemido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท inleme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ ์Œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃู†ูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stรฉnรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sten

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘ปๅŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stokanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stuna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‹าฃั‹ั€ััƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ inqiltฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gemido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,996, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.