Sighing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sighing

[หˆsaษชษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

expressing sadness

Sighing is the act of exhaling audibly to convey a range of emotions, primarily sadness, frustration, or relief. It typically involves a deep breath followed by a slow exhalation. This action is often involuntary, triggered by feelings of weariness or disappointment. Sighing can also serve as a means of expressing resignation or a desire for change.

Synonyms

exhale, groan, heave, moan.

Examples of usage

  • She was sighing heavily after reading the bad news.
  • He let out a sighing breath of relief when the exam was over.
  • Sighing in frustration, she closed her laptop.
  • The child was sighing with boredom during the long meeting.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sighing can be a way for our body to release tension and stress, helping us calm down.
  • People often sigh when they feel overwhelmed or are thinking deeply about something.
  • Research shows that sighing can help reset our breathing pattern, making us feel more relaxed.

Literature

  • Sighing is often used in poetry and prose to express deep emotions, like longing or sadness.
  • In classic literature, characters often sigh at moments of love or loss, making the emotion more vivid.
  • It is a powerful literary device to convey unspoken feelings and can symbolize a character's internal struggles.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures interpret sighs differently; in some places, it shows sadness, whereas in others, it can indicate relaxation.
  • In Western movies, a sigh often signals dramatic moments, enhancing storytelling by highlighting character emotions.
  • Some cultures view sighing as a sign of impatience or annoyance, showing that the communicator may be frustrated.

Health

  • Studies suggest that sighing can help improve lung function by inflating parts of the lungs that may not fill with normal breathing.
  • Excessive sighing can sometimes indicate anxiety or stress, and being aware of it can aid in managing those feelings.
  • Mindfulness practices often incorporate sighing exercises to promote relaxation and emotional awareness.

Expressive Arts

  • In music, sighing can be mimicked through instrumental notes or vocal techniques to convey emotion.
  • Actors use sighing in performance to convey character emotions, making their expressions more relatable.
  • Visual artists sometimes depict sighing through imagery of landscapes or characters in moments of contemplation.

Origin of 'sighing'

The word 'sighing' comes from the Old English term 'sฤซgan,' which meant to exhale or to groan. The practice of sighing has been recognized across various cultures and languages, often relating to the emotional state of an individual. The action conveys not just a physical release of breath but also a psychological expression of inner feelings. In literature and poetry, sighing has been employed as a powerful metaphor for human emotions, embodying feelings ranging from longing to despair. Over the centuries, the term has evolved in usage, becoming synonymous with modern expressions of discontent or emotional release, further entrenching itself in everyday language.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,170, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.