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Pealing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ””
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pealing

[หˆpiหlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

The act of a person or thing that peals; a loud ringing of bells; a succession of changes rung on bells.

Synonyms

chiming, ringing, tolling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pealing

Might be a duplicate of 'pealing' for bells ringing loudly and grandly. Omit or use previous definition.
ringing

A general term for producing a sound from bells or similar instruments. Can be used in various situations, from alarms to celebratory events.

  • Her phone started ringing during the meeting.
  • The alarm bell was ringing loudly in the building.
chiming

Typically refers to the gentle and melodic sound of bells, often in a rhythmic pattern. Used for clocks, small bells, or during ceremonies.

  • The clock was chiming every hour.
  • She enjoyed the soft chiming of the wind chimes in the breeze.
tolling

Often describes the slow, solemn sound of bells, typically associated with funerals or moments of mourning.

  • The church bells were tolling in memory of the departed.
  • A single bell was tolling in the distance, marking the end of the service.

Examples of usage

  • The pealing of the church bells could be heard throughout the town.
  • After the wedding ceremony, the joyful pealing of the bells filled the air.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

To sound loudly and sonorously; to ring out; to chime.

Synonyms

chime, ring, toll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pealing

Used to describe a loud, resonant sound, often associated with a series of bells ringing loudly.

  • The church bells were pealing as the wedding ceremony began
ring

A general term for the sound made by a bell, applicable to both small and large bells.

  • She could hear the phone ring from across the room
chime

Appropriate for a light, melodious ringing sound, typically created by small bells or a clock.

  • The grandfather clock began to chime at midnight
toll

Used for the slow, regular sounding of a large bell, often associated with solemn or mournful occasions.

  • The church bell tolled to mark the passing of a beloved community member

Examples of usage

  • The bells pealed to announce the start of the celebration.
  • The clock tower pealed at the stroke of midnight.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Usage in Culture

  • In literature, pealing often conveys dramatic moments or signifies important events, such as the start of a wedding or a funeral.
  • The sound of bells pealing is frequently used in film and music to create an atmosphere of celebration or solemnity.
  • Pealing bells are iconic in many cities, often marking the hour or serving as a call to prayer.

Sound and Acoustic Science

  • The phenomenon of pealing can be explained by the acoustics of bell materials; bronze, often used in large bells, produces a rich, resonant tone.
  • When bells are struck, they produce multiple tones simultaneously, which can create an echoing effect that enhances their presence in the soundscape.
  • Sound waves from pealing bells can travel great distances, making them a significant auditory landmark in many communities.

Historical Significance

  • In medieval Europe, pealing bells were essential for announcing significant community events, such as market days or calamities.
  • Traditionally, different peals of bells were designated for various occasions, helping to communicate specific messages to the populace.
  • The pealing of church bells also played a role in signaling the time for prayer, creating a rhythmic aspect to daily life in historical communities.

Music

  • Peal can also refer to a series of bell ringing patterns in music, adding a rhythmic and melodic layer to compositions.
  • Certain compositions are inspired by the sound of pealing bells, incorporating their motifs into orchestral or choral works to evoke emotion.
  • The rhythm of pealing bells can influence local music traditions, with some cultures adapting similar sounds into their musical folklore.

Origin of 'pealing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'peal' originated in the late 14th century and is derived from the Old English term 'pฤ“lan,' meaning 'to sound or ring.'
  • The word has evolved over time and can describe both the sound itself and the action of making that sound, especially in relation to bells.
  • Interestingly, 'peal' can refer to the sound of thunder or other loud noises beyond just bells.

The word 'pealing' originated from the Old English word 'pilian', which meant 'to peel'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the ringing of bells. Bells have been used for centuries to signal important events, such as celebrations, religious ceremonies, and emergencies. The pealing of bells is a tradition that is deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world.

See also: peal.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,249 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.