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Sonorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sonorous

[ˈsɒnərəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

producing a deep or full sound

Synonyms

full, melodious, resonant, rich.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sonorous

When describing a deep, powerful sound that resonates well, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • His sonorous voice made the speech impactful
  • The bell's sonorous chime could be heard for miles
resonant

When describing a sound that echoes or reverberates, used in both technical audio contexts and metaphorically to describe something that strongly evokes emotions or memories.

  • The resonant hum of the tuning fork was unmistakable
  • His words had a resonant impact on everyone present
melodious

When describing something that is pleasingly musical or harmonious, ideal for artistic or poetic contexts.

  • The melodious tune lingered in the air long after the music had stopped
  • Her melodious laughter filled the room
rich

When describing a sound full of depth and complexity, often used in contexts that emphasize luxury or high quality.

  • The rich tones of the cello added depth to the music
  • Her rich, velvety voice captivated the audience
full

When describing a complete or robust quality of a sound or tone, suitable for general or informal use.

  • She sang with a full, vibrant voice
  • The orchestra delivered a full and satisfying performance

Examples of usage

  • a sonorous voice
  • the sonorous bells of the cathedral
  • the sonorous tones of the cello
Context #2 | Adjective

language

using imposing language

Synonyms

bombastic, grandiloquent, pompous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sonorous

Best used to describe a sound that is deep, rich, and pleasant. It is often used in a positive way.

  • The sonorous voice of the narrator made the audiobook a pleasure to listen to.
  • The sonorous chime of the church bells filled the air.
grandiloquent

Refers to a style of speaking or writing that is overly complex and intended to impress. It generally has a negative feel.

  • His grandiloquent style made it hard for the audience to follow his points.
  • The author's grandiloquent language made the novel difficult to read.
pompous

Describes someone who behaves in a self-important and condescending way. Often used in a negative sense.

  • The professor's pompous attitude annoyed the students.
  • He gave a pompous speech, bragging about his achievements.
bombastic

Used when referring to speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but is often over the top and lacking in meaning. It has a negative connotation.

  • The politician's bombastic rhetoric did little to address the real issues.
  • Her bombastic speech was full of big words but lacked substance.

Examples of usage

  • a sonorous speech
  • sonorous prose

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Musical instruments like tubas and cellos are often described as sonorous due to their deep tones.
  • The use of sonorous voices can enhance performances in theater, making dialogues more engaging.

Literature

  • Writers often use sonorous language to create vivid imagery, appealing to the auditory senses of their readers.
  • Famous poets, like Coleridge, are known for their sonorous verse that captures the beauty of sound.

Psychology

  • Research shows that deeper voices can create perceptions of authority and trustworthiness.
  • Sonorous sounds can have a calming effect, which is why they are often used in meditation music.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, sonorous sounds are used for rituals and celebrations, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
  • Certain animals, like the humpback whale, produce sonorous songs that can travel long distances underwater.

Origin of 'sonorous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sonorus', which means 'resounding' or 'sounding'.
  • In Latin, 'sonare' means 'to sound', linking to the concept of sound and resonance.

The word 'sonorous' originates from the Latin word 'sonorus', meaning 'resounding' or 'sonorous'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe sounds that are deep, full, or imposing. Over the years, it has also been extended to describe language that is grandiloquent or pompous in style.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,589, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.