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Sighed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜”
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sighed

[saษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional release

To sigh is to let out a long, deep breath, often as an expression of emotion. This act can signal a range of feelings, such as relief, sadness, or frustration. Sighing often occurs unconsciously and can be a response to tiredness or exasperation. It can also serve as a form of nonverbal communication, conveying feelings without the need for words.

Synonyms

exhale, gasp, groan, moan.

Examples of usage

  • She sighed deeply after hearing the disappointing news.
  • He sighed with relief when the exam was finally over.
  • After a long day at work, she sank into her chair and sighed contentedly.
  • He let out a sigh of frustration when his plans fell through.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sighing can be a natural way for the body to regulate emotions, helping to release tension or express feelings.
  • Studies suggest that sighing often indicates a transition in emotional state, whether relief, sadness, or even contentment.

Literature

  • In many poems and stories, sighing represents longing or unfulfilled desire, capturing deep emotional moments.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare often used sighing as a literary device to convey characters' internal struggles.

Pop Culture

  • Sighs have become a common trope in cartoons to show frustration or resignation, often followed by exaggerated body language.
  • Music and films frequently use sighing sounds to create a connection with the audience, evoking empathy or nostalgia.

Health

  • Sighing can help improve lung function by fully expelling stale air, allowing for fresh oxygen intake.
  • It is also linked to relaxation, as deep breaths and sighs can decrease heart rate and promote calmness.

Origin of 'sighed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sighan', which meant to 'breathe out heavily'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'sighลnฤ…', linking it to similar words in German and Dutch.

The word 'sigh' originates from the Old English word 'sฤซgan,' which meant to draw a breath or to exhale audibly. This root word has Germanic and other cognates in various languages, indicating a common human experience of exhaling with emotion. Its usage evolved in Middle English as 'sighen,' maintaining the same connotation of expressing feelings. Historical texts illustrate that sighing has been a human response through the ages, often linked to love, grief, or deep thought, and has contributed to its rich literary presence in poetry and prose. Sighs have been depicted as significant emotive tools in literature, symbolizing longing, desire, and release. Overall, the evolution of the word reflects the innate human experience of filtering emotions through physical responses.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,043 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.