Moan: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ฉ
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moan

 

[mษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A long, low sound made by a person expressing physical or mental suffering or sexual pleasure.

Synonyms

groan, wail, whimper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
moan

Used when expressing discomfort, slight pain, or mild dissatisfaction in a murmuring, low voice.

  • He moaned softly as he got up from the couch after sitting for hours.
  • She moaned about her workload, wishing she had more free time.
groan

Typically used to express a deeper or more intense feeling of pain, frustration, or exhaustion.

  • He groaned in pain after accidentally hitting his knee against the table.
  • The students groaned when they heard there would be a surprise test.
whimper

Describes a soft, low, and often repetitive noise made when someone is scared, in minor pain, or seeking sympathy.

  • The puppy whimpered in the corner of the room, frightened by the loud storm.
  • He whimpered quietly as he tried to explain what happened.
wail

Refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry, usually due to extreme sorrow, grief, or distress.

  • The child wailed when her favorite toy broke.
  • She wailed in grief at the news of the loss of a loved one.

Examples of usage

  • She let out a loud moan of pain.
  • He moaned in pleasure as she touched him.
Context #2 | Verb

complaint

To make a long, low sound expressing physical or mental suffering or sexual pleasure.

Synonyms

groan, grumble, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
moan

This is usually used to express discomfort, pain, or pleasure. It can also be used to complain about something in a non-specific way.

  • He moaned in pain after twisting his ankle.
  • She moaned softly, enjoying the moment.
groan

This is generally used to indicate deep discomfort, frustration, or annoyance, often as a physical sound coming from deep within the body.

  • He groaned loudly after hearing the bad news.
  • The old chair groaned under his weight.
whine

This is typically used to describe high-pitched, complaining sounds that can seem annoying. It often has a childish or petulant connotation.

  • The child whined about not getting dessert.
  • He always whines when he has to do chores.
grumble

This is used when someone is complaining in a low, often discontented voice. It has a quietly negative connotation.

  • She grumbled about the long wait at the doctor's office.
  • They grumbled quietly among themselves about the new company policy.

Examples of usage

  • He moaned about the cold weather all day.
  • She moaned in discomfort during the flight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'mลnan', which means to complain or mourn.
  • It has been used since the 12th century to describe sounds of sorrow or discomfort.
  • The spelling has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, reflecting its deep roots in the English language.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, moaning often symbolizes deep emotional pain or longing, frequently found in poetry and romantic works.
  • Moaning sounds are sometimes used in music to convey feelings of sorrow or desire, seen in genres like blues and rock.
  • Certain cultural practices involve moaning as a form of expression during funerals or mourning rituals to honor the dead.

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that vocal expressions, like moaning, can be an instinctive response to pain, helping individuals signal distress.
  • People often interpret moans from others as indications of emotional vulnerability, which can create a bond or empathy.
  • Moaning can also serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to express their discomfort both to themselves and others.

Science

  • Researchers have found that moaning is connected to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary reactions to pain.
  • The frequency and pitch of moans can vary, often reflecting the intensity of the pain or emotional state being experienced.
  • Vocalizations like moaning are part of non-verbal communication, helping convey feelings when words fail.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, moaning is often used to create tension or showcase characters' emotional struggles, especially in horror and drama genres.
  • Many comedy routines play on moaning sounds for humor, contrasting them with the situation to emphasize ridiculousness.
  • Popular music uses moans to evoke strong emotions, drawing listeners into the artist's feelings and experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "moan" 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

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 stonanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘ปๅŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stokanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stuna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‹าฃั‹ั€ััƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ•แƒœแƒ”แƒกแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ inilti

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gemido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,856, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.