Sighed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

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

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.

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

• ...
• 6040 unusually
• 6041 ruins
• 6042 honourable
• 6043 sighed
• 6044 swelling
• 6045 legend
• 6046 compressed
• ...