Orotund: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'orotundus', meaning round or full of sound.
• It combines 'oro', meaning 'to speak', and 'tund', suggesting fullness.
• Used since the 19th century, it has evolved to describe music and speech quality.

Literature

• Authors often use orotund speech in characters to convey authority or grandeur.
• In poetry, an orotund tone adds dramatic flair, enhancing emotional impact.
• Famous orators like Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke in an orotund manner to inspire audiences.

Psychology

• Research shows that people with orotund voices are often perceived as more confident or charismatic.
• Sound quality can subconsciously affect how someone is perceived in social and professional settings.
• Our brains respond positively to deep and resonant tones, associating them with trustworthiness.

Pop Culture

• The character of Darth Vader is known for his orotund voice, creating an imposing presence.
• National anthems often utilize orotund singing to evoke patriotism and pride in listeners.
• Broadcasters and narrators frequently aim for an orotund tone to sound authoritative and engaging.

Science

• Sound waves that are deeper and fuller (orotund) carry better in large spaces, which is why large venues often have good acoustics for speeches.
• The human vocal cord structure can produce orotund sounds, especially when engaging the diaphragm effectively.
• Studies in acoustics examine how voice modulation can create orotund effects in different environments.

At position #40,396, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 40393 looney
• 40394 snitched
• 40395 elasticized
• 40396 orotund
• 40397 clunker
• 40398 misdirecting
• 40399 alphabetize
• ...