Neighing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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neighing

[หˆneษชษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sound of horse

Neighing refers to the vocal sound made by horses. It is characterized by a high-pitched, whinnying noise that serves various functions, such as communication with other horses or expressing excitement. Neighing can also indicate distress or a desire for attention from their handlers. The sound can vary in intensity and pitch depending on the horse's mood and the situation.

Synonyms

braying, whinnying.

Examples of usage

  • The horse began neighing when it saw its owner.
  • During the race, the neighing of the horses filled the air.
  • She laughed as the foal started neighing for its mother.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Neighing can communicate a range of emotions, from greeting other horses to expressing stress or excitement.
  • Younger horses, or foals, often learn to neigh from their mothers, highlighting social learning in animals.

Literature

  • In literature, neighing often represents freedom or wildness, reflecting the horse's role as a symbol of vitality.
  • Famous works often use the sound of neighing to illustrate a sceneโ€™s pastoral beauty or convey a sense of longing.

Pop Culture

  • Films about horses, like 'Seabiscuit' and 'War Horse,' frequently feature scenes where neighed dialogue enhances emotion and character bonding.
  • The phrase 'neighing with joy' sometimes appears in songs and poems to express an exuberant feeling.

Science

  • Researchers study the frequency and pitch of neighing to understand equine communication better.
  • Neighing can vary significantly between horse breeds, with some horses having higher-pitched neighs than others.

Origin of 'neighing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'neigh' comes from the Old English 'hnฤ“gan,' which means 'to make a noise like a horse.'
  • In different languages, such as Spanish, the sound a horse makes is represented as 'hiiiii,' showing cultural variations in representing sounds.

The word 'neighing' is derived from the Old English term 'hnฤ“gan', which means 'to neigh'. Its etymological roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *hรดwลnฤ… and Proto-Indo-European *kวn- that embodied the concept of sound made by horses. This term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its connection to equine vocalizations. The earliest recorded uses of similar forms are found in texts related to horses, often signifying the relationship between humans and these domesticated animals. The sound itself has cultural significance in various societies, often being associated with pastoral life and agriculture, highlighting the importance of horses in human history. The sustained use of the term emphasizes its embeddedness in language, reflecting humanity's long-standing interaction with horses.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,024 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.