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Hum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hum

[hÊŒm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A low, continuous noise; a murmur.

Synonyms

buzz, murmur, whir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hum

Used when referring to a low, continuous sound often produced by machines or people softly singing.

  • You can hear the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.
  • She started to hum her favorite tune while cooking.
murmur

Often used to describe soft, indistinct sounds made by people conversing in the background, or natural sounds like flowing water.

  • There was a murmur of voices in the crowded room.
  • The gentle murmur of the stream was relaxing.
buzz

Typically describes a continuous, vibrating sound like that of bees or certain electronic devices.

  • I heard the buzz of bees in the garden.
  • The phone buzzed with incoming notifications.
whir

Refers to a low, continuous sound made typically by something rapidly rotating or moving.

  • The whir of the fan was the only sound in the quiet room.
  • He could hear the whir of the drone as it flew overhead.

Examples of usage

  • The hum of the bees in the garden was soothing.
  • The hum of the air conditioner filled the room.
Context #2 | Verb

activity

Make a low, steady continuous sound.

Synonyms

buzz, whir, whiz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hum

Again indicates a steady, low sound but is often used more for background noise or the sound of people talking quietly.

  • The hum of conversation filled the coffee shop
  • The soft hum of the computers was quite comforting
buzz

Indicates a low, continuous sound similar to that made by a bee or an electrical device. It can also describe excitement or activity.

  • I could hear the buzz of the bees in the garden
  • The new gadget created a lot of buzz in the tech community
whir

A rapid, continuous sound, usually indicating fast movement or rotation, often from machinery or appliances.

  • The whir of the blender drowned out our conversation
  • The drone made a high-pitched whir as it flew overhead
whiz

Describes a high-pitched, fast-moving sound, often associated with something moving quickly through the air, or someone who is skilled and quick in their actions.

  • I heard a whiz as the arrow flew past me
  • She is a math whiz and finished the test in half the time

Examples of usage

  • The generator hummed in the background.
  • The computer hummed as it processed the data.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, humming is often a result of vibrations in materials, which can create sound waves.
  • Certain species of honeybees produce a hum that communicates with other bees, showcasing the social aspect of sound.
  • Research indicates that certain frequencies, like those of a hum, can promote relaxation and reduce stress in humans.

Music

  • Humming is used in music therapy to promote emotional healing and improve mental well-being.
  • Many musicians use humming as a technique to warm up their voices before singing.

Cultural Aspects

  • In various cultures, humming is often associated with folk songs and traditional melodies.
  • Some people find solace in humming while they work, as it can enhance focus and creativity.

Psychology

  • Humming a tune can stimulate the release of dopamine, enhancing mood and reducing anxiety.
  • It's often used as a coping mechanism during stressful situations, acting as a self-soothing behavior.

Origin of 'hum'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'hummen,' which means to make a buzzing sound.
  • Related to sounds in nature, 'hum' can also refer to the low frequencies made by machines or voices.

The word 'hum' has Old English origins, derived from the verb 'hymman' which means to hum or buzz. The word has been used in English for centuries to describe the low, continuous noise made by bees, machines, or other sources. Over time, 'hum' has become associated with a soothing or comforting sound, often used to create a sense of calm or relaxation.

See also: human, humble, humid, humor, humour.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,959, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.