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Sibilance: meaning, definitions and examples

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sibilance

 

[ˈsɪbɪləns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sound feature

Sibilance refers to a hissing or hushing sound often produced by consonants like 's', 'sh', 'z', and 'zh'. It is commonly used in poetry and literature to create a specific auditory effect or mood. This sound feature can enhance the musical quality of writing and speech.

Synonyms

hissing, hush, whistling.

Examples of usage

  • The sibilance in her voice added a sensual quality to the poem.
  • He noticed the sibilance of the waves crashing against the shore.
  • The music featured prominent sibilance, making it soothing to the ears.
  • Her speech contained sibilance that drew the audience's attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'sibilare', which means 'to hiss', perfectly reflecting the sound it describes.
  • It entered the English language in the early 20th century, illustrating how new terms can develop from older languages.

Literature

  • Writers often use sibilance to create a soft, soothing sound in poetry, enhancing the mood or tone.
  • Famous poets like T.S. Eliot and John Keats employed sibilance to evoke feelings and paint vivid scenes.
  • It can also create tension in writing, making certain words pop by contrasting smooth and sharp sounds.

Music

  • Sibilance is important in music production, particularly in recording vocals, where too much can cause a harsh sound.
  • In genres like hip-hop and pop, artists use sibilance to emphasize rhythm and enhance lyrical flow.

Linguistics

  • Sibilance occurs in many languages and is a key feature in phonetics, showing how sound affects meaning.
  • Some languages have specific terms for different types of sibilant sounds, highlighting their linguistic importance.

Psychology

  • Our brains are wired to identify sibilance as a signal, often associating it with danger or alertness in nature.
  • Research shows that listeners may react more strongly to sibilant sounds during spoken communication, affecting communication dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,651, 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.