Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Loudness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔊
Add to dictionary

loudness

[ˈlaʊdnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

The quality or state of being loud; intensity of sound. It is a subjective measure typically described on a scale from quiet to loud. Loudness is influenced by the amplitude of the sound wave and is often measured in decibels.

Synonyms

intensity, sound level, volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
loudness

Used when describing how loud a sound is, typically in a non-technical or everyday context.

  • The loudness of the music made it hard to talk.
  • She was surprised by the loudness of his voice.
volume

Used to refer to the amount of sound that something makes; often refers to the setting on a device that controls how loud it is.

  • Can you turn down the volume?
  • The volume of the radio is too high.
intensity

Used to describe the strength or force of something, not just limited to sound. It can also refer to emotions or light.

  • The intensity of the storm frightened everyone.
  • He spoke with great intensity and passion.
sound level

Used in more technical or scientific contexts to refer to the property of sound measured in decibels.

  • The sound level in the factory exceeded safety limits.
  • We need to measure the sound level in the auditorium.

Examples of usage

  • The loudness of the music at the concert was overwhelming.
  • I adjusted the loudness of the TV to a comfortable level.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The perceived volume level of a sound. Loudness perception can vary from person to person based on factors such as hearing ability and individual sensitivity to sound.

Synonyms

auditory perception, perceived volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
loudness

Used to describe the high level of sound intensity in general situations. It is often used in everyday conversations to describe how loud a sound is.

  • The loudness of the music was overwhelming.
  • He couldn't concentrate due to the loudness of the noise outside.
perceived volume

Typically used in technical or specialized discussions about how loudness is experienced subjectively by a listener. It's often used in fields like acoustics or audio engineering.

  • The perceived volume of the recording was lower than expected.
  • Headphone users often adjust the settings to achieve a comfortable perceived volume.
auditory perception

This term is usually used in more scientific or academic contexts to describe how the brain processes and interprets sound. It is less common in casual conversation.

  • Researchers are studying auditory perception in children with hearing impairments.
  • Auditory perception varies greatly among different individuals.

Examples of usage

  • The loudness of the alarm clock woke me up from my deep sleep.
  • His voice had a gentle loudness that was soothing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Loudness is measured in decibels (dB), where a whisper is about 30 dB, and a rock concert can be over 120 dB.
  • Our ears perceive loudness differently; two sounds at the same decibel level can seem quieter or louder based on their frequency.
  • The threshold of hearing is around 0 dB, meaning that's the quietest sound we can hear.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, loud music is often associated with celebration, such as at weddings or festivals where joy is shared.
  • Silence is valued in various cultural rituals, highlighting loudness' role as both a source of joy and a disruption.
  • Certain genres of music, like heavy metal and hip-hop, embrace loudness as a key element, influencing cultural identity and expression.

Psychology

  • Sound can affect our emotions; loudness can evoke excitement or anxiety, depending on the context and individual perception.
  • Children exposed to loud noises frequently can show increased levels of stress or difficulty focusing.
  • Research shows that environments with high loudness can lead to increased aggression and irritability in people.

Technology

  • Modern sound systems can manipulate loudness through equalization, making bass sounds louder without distorting the music.
  • Video games often use dynamic loudness to enhance player experience, making action scenes more thrilling.
  • Smartphone apps can analyze loudness in various environments, helping users find quieter spaces or measure their sound exposure.

Art & Literature

  • In literature, loud sounds often symbolize chaos or conflict, setting the stage for dramatic moments.
  • Artists use loudness in performance art to challenge societal norms around silence and noise, prompting reflection and interaction.
  • Poets may use imagery of loudness to convey emotional intensity, drawing readers into their experiences.

Origin of 'loudness'

The word 'loudness' originated from the Middle English word 'loude' meaning 'having a great sound or volume'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of loudness has been studied extensively in the field of acoustics and psychology to understand human perception of sound.

See also: loud, louder, loudly, loudspeaker.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,197, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.