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Sank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sank

[sรฆล‹k ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'sank' is the past tense of 'sink', which means to go down below the surface of a liquid. When an object sinks, it causes the surrounding water to displace, resulting in a change in body buoyancy. The action of sinking often implies that the object is getting heavier or is no longer able to float. The term can also describe a decline in a situation, condition, or quality, such as 'the economy sank into recession'.

Synonyms

descended, lowered, plummeted, submerged.

Examples of usage

  • The ship sank quickly after hitting the iceberg.
  • He sank in the mud while trying to walk.
  • The sun sank below the horizon.
  • After his mistakes, his confidence sank.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Objects sink or float based on their density compared to the fluid theyโ€™re in.
  • When a ship sinks, it often creates a significant impact on marine ecosystems as it becomes a habitat for sea life.
  • The phenomenon of sinking can also apply in geology, where land can sink due to tectonic activity or erosion.

Cultural References

  • The concept of sinking often appears in literature and songs, symbolizing loss or failure.
  • Maritime disasters, like the Titanic sinking, have created a cultural impact and are often depicted in films and books.
  • Sinking ships are a common trope in adventure stories, illustrating bravery and peril.

Psychology

  • The feeling of 'sinking' can also be used metaphorically to describe sadness or depression.
  • In dreams, sinking often represents feelings of losing control or anxiety about situations.
  • The phrase 'sinking feeling' is commonly used to describe a sudden sense of dread or bad news.

Historical Events

  • The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 was a pivotal event that contributed to public sentiment during World War I.
  • In 1916, the infamous ship 'S.S. Eastland' sank in the Chicago River, leading to one of the largest single-loss incidents in U.S. history.
  • The sinking of Atlantis is a legendary event that symbolizes lost civilization and contributes to the mythological narrative across cultures.

Origin of 'sank'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'sanc' meaning 'to sink or go down'.
  • It belongs to a strong verb class, which means its past form changes the vowel, similar to 'drink' and 'drank'.
  • This word dates back to before the 12th century, showing its long-standing use in the English language.

The word 'sank' originates from Old English 'sincan', which means 'to sink'. This is derived from Proto-Germanic *sinkwanan, which has cognates in several Germanic languages. The transition from the earlier forms to 'sank' is reflective of phonetic evolutions characteristic of the language, including the simplification of the vowel sounds and consonant endings. Over time, 'sank' has maintained its meaning tied to the action of descending or going down, particularly in a liquid context. Its usage has persisted throughout the Middle English period and into modern English, indicating a stable semantic field.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,448 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.