Inaudible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inaudible
[ɪˈnɔːdəbl ]
Definition
sound quality
Inaudible refers to something that is unable to be heard. It is often used to describe sounds that are too faint or too quiet for the human ear to detect. This term can be applied in various contexts, such as audio recordings, conversations, or any environment where sound propagation is weak. Inaudible sounds can result from distance, background noise, or low volume settings.
Synonyms
faint, imperceptible, silent, unheard.
Examples of usage
- His voice was inaudible over the noise of the crowd.
- The recording was so faint that much of it was inaudible.
- She spoke in an inaudible whisper, barely heard by anyone.
- The dog's bark became inaudible from a distance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, inaudible frequencies are often referred to as ultrasound, which are sounds above the human hearing range.
- Certain animals, like dogs or bats, can hear inaudible sounds that humans cannot perceive.
- In the field of acoustics, sound waves below 20 Hz are classified as infrasound and are typically inaudible to humans.
Psychology
- Inaudible sounds can affect mood and perception; for instance, ultrasonic sounds can influence feelings without conscious awareness.
- Studies suggest that humans may react to inaudible sounds on a subconscious level, affecting stress and relaxation responses.
- Some therapeutic practices use inaudible frequency sounds for relaxation and healing, tapping into how they can impact well-being.
Literature
- In literature, themes of inaudibility often symbolize unexpressed emotions or thoughts that characters cannot voice.
- Many famous poems explore the idea of unspoken thoughts, using the concept of being inaudible to evoke deeper feelings.
- Notable authors, like Virginia Woolf, have employed inaudibility to challenge the boundaries of communication in their narratives.
Technology
- Inaudible sound waves are utilized in technologies such as pest control, where high-frequency sounds repel unwanted animals.
- Modern audio equipment often focuses on improving performance at inaudible frequencies for clearer sound reproduction.
- Communication devices sometimes incorporate inaudible signals to transmit information without interruption, like in some forms of data transmission.
Origin of 'inaudible'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'in' meaning 'not' and 'audibilis' meaning 'able to be heard'.
- It entered the English language in the early 1800s, evolving from earlier terms related to sound.
- The use of 'inaudible' has spread from formal contexts into everyday language as technology has advanced.
The term 'inaudible' originates from the Latin word 'inaudibilis', which is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'audibilis' meaning 'able to be heard'. 'Audibilis' comes from 'audire', which translates to 'to hear'. The concept of inaudibility has been part of linguistic discourse since at least the late Middle Ages as technologies and methods for assessing sound evolved. The word began to appear in English texts around the late 15th century, carrying its modern meaning. The growing interest in acoustics and audio technology led to more frequent usage in the 20th century, especially in contexts regarding audio quality and communication, reflecting advancements in sound recording and reproduction.