Sonority: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin word 'sonorus', which means 'sounding' or 'resounding'.
• It entered English in the late 19th century, linking the concept of sound quality to its usage in music and linguistics.

Linguistics

• In phonetics, sonority refers to how 'loud' or prominent a sound is in speech. Vowels are typically more sonorous than consonants.
• The sonority hierarchy ranks sounds from less sonorous (like voiceless stops) to more sonorous (like vowels), impacting syllable structure.

Music Theory

• In music, sonority describes the richness and character of a sound, often associated with the timbre of instruments.
• Composers strive for varied sonorities to create dynamic soundscapes, using different instruments and techniques.

Psychology of Sound

• Research shows that deeper sounds can evoke feelings of calmness and safety, while higher pitches often convey alertness.
• Sonorous sounds tend to have a direct impact on mood, influencing emotional and cognitive responses.

Pop Culture

• The sonorous voice of actors like Morgan Freeman is often admired in film and TV, making them iconic for narrative storytelling.
• In popular music, deep bass lines contribute to a sonorous quality that can enhance the listener's experience.

At rank #29,865, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 29862 spurted
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• 29864 flavorful
• 29865 sonority
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