Roomful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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roomful

[ˈrumˌfəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

amount of people

A roomful refers to the quantity of people that can fit inside a room, often used to imply a large number of individuals gathered together. The term suggests that the space is filled with people, potentially to the point of being crowded.

Synonyms

assembly, crowd, gathering.

Examples of usage

  • The conference had a roomful of participants.
  • At the party, there was a roomful of laughter.
  • The lecture attracted a roomful of students.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, tales often describe a roomful of guests to capture the atmosphere of celebration or tension.
  • Music and theater frequently use the idea of a roomful of audience to convey the importance of community and shared experiences.
  • Expressions like 'a roomful of laughter' convey vivid imagery, emphasizing collective emotions in social settings.

Psychology

  • Being in a roomful of people can evoke feelings of belonging or anxiety, depending on individual comfort levels.
  • Large groups can influence decision-making, showing how a room's atmosphere impacts social dynamics.
  • People often remember emotional experiences shared in a roomful of friends more vividly than solitary moments.

Architecture

  • Designing a roomful space requires attention to acoustics, lighting, and arrangement for optimal interaction.
  • Certain roomfuls, like classrooms or conference rooms, are tailored to promote learning and collaboration.
  • Historical homes often had roomfuls designed for specific functions, like parlors for socializing and libraries for quiet study.

Origin of 'roomful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'room' comes from the Old French 'rom', which means 'space' or 'area'.
  • The suffix 'ful' means 'full of', showing that a roomful is a space filled with something.
  • The combination of these two parts creates a term used to describe a full room activity.

The term 'roomful' is a compound word formed from 'room' and the suffix '-ful', which indicates 'full of'. The word 'room' comes from the Old French 'rom', meaning a space or area. Its meaning has evolved over time to denote an enclosed area in buildings meant for living, working, or other activities. The suffix '-ful' is derived from Old English 'full', which means filled or comprising. The combination of the two terms into 'roomful' signifies the concept of a room being filled with something specific, usually people in this context. The word first appeared in English literature in the 19th century and has since become common in informal speech to describe gatherings and assemblies.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,067 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.