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Hummed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hummed

[hสŒmd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Hummed is the past tense of the verb 'hum', which means to make a low, steady continuous sound. It is often used to describe the act of producing a tuneful sound with closed lips. Humming can be a form of expression of mood, or it can indicate that someone is lost in thought or working on a task.

Synonyms

buzz, buzzed, crooned, intoned, murmured.

Examples of usage

  • She hummed her favorite tune while cooking.
  • He hummed quietly while reading his book.
  • The crowd hummed with excitement before the concert.
  • As she walked, she hummed a cheerful melody.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Many famous composers, like Beethoven, used humming as a technique to help them create melodies, even when they couldn't hear.
  • Humming can be a form of spontaneous improvisation in music, allowing musicians to explore new ideas.
  • In therapeutic music practices, humming is often used for relaxation and to reduce stress.

Psychology

  • Research shows that humming can help improve mood by releasing feel-good hormones such as oxytocin.
  • Humming can also aid concentration by blocking distracting noises, making it a popular technique for focus.
  • The act of humming has been linked to reducing anxiety for some people, acting as a calming mechanism.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, humming is seen as a way to express joy or contentment, often during tasks like cooking or working.
  • Ceremonial humming can be found in various rituals around the world, symbolizing harmony and connection.
  • Children often hum when theyโ€™re at play or feeling happy, making it a universal expression of joy.

Pop Culture

  • Humming is notably featured in songs such as 'Don't Worry, Be Happy,' where the main melody is based on simple humming.
  • In movies and cartoons, characters often hum to convey a carefree or relaxed attitude.
  • Many films use humming as a technique to build a whimsical atmosphere, enhancing the viewer's emotional experience.

Origin of 'hummed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'humian,' which means to make a low sound.
  • Similar words can be found in other languages; for instance, 'humm' in German also refers to a humming sound.
  • Humming has been a part of human expression across cultures for centuries, often used to convey comfort.

The word 'hummed' originates from the Middle English 'hummen', which is a variant of 'hum', derived from the Old English 'hamian' meaning to make a low sound or murmur. The sound of humming has been associated with various activities, ranging from singing softly to producing a tonal sound by vibrating lips. This informal vocalization comes from the human capacity to produce continuous sounds without articulating specific words, which may date back to prehistoric times when early humans began to communicate. The use of humming can be seen in various cultures, often signifying comfort, creativity, or thoughtfulness, linking it to both emotional expression and musical practice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,583, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.