Sough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ๏ธ
sough
[sสf ]
Definitions
sound, nature
To make a soft, murmuring or rushing sound, typically as produced by the wind or inanimate objects. The term can also describe when the wind blows through trees or around buildings, creating a gentle whispering noise.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The leaves sough in the breeze.
- The river sough over the stones.
- As the storm approached, the trees began to sough ominously.
sound, nature
A soft, murmuring or rustling sound, particularly that made by the wind or trees. It often invokes a feeling of tranquility and closeness to nature.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I loved the sough of the wind through the pines.
- The gentle sough around the cabin was soothing.
- He closed his eyes and listened to the sough of the ocean waves.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in various poems and literary works, often to evoke a sense of nature or tranquility.
- In works of romantic poets like John Keats, 'sough' is used to personify nature's whispers.
- Many contemporary authors utilize 'sough' to create atmospheric descriptions in their prose.
Linguistics
- 'Sough' is an example of onomatopoeia, as it mimics the soft, flowing sound it describes.
- This word highlights the auditory aspect of language, showing how words can represent sounds in nature.
- It is a relatively rare word, which can enrich descriptive language in writing.
Cultural Significance
- In Scottish culture, 'sough' may be used symbolically, representing the gentle presence of nature.
- Traditional music from Scotland often includes themes that evoke the calming sounds of nature, including the 'sough' of wind.
- Folklore sometimes interprets 'soughs' as omens or whispers from the spirit world.
Psychology
- Sounds like 'sough' can induce feelings of calmness and relaxation, often used in meditation practices.
- Research indicates that soothing sounds can lower stress levels and promote positive mental health.
- Nature sounds, including wind soughing, can improve concentration and focus in work environments.
Origin of 'sough'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sough' has Scottish roots, originally used in Scots dialect to describe the sound of the wind.
- It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word 'sรบga', meaning to suck or draw in, relating to how sound can draw attention quietly.
- The term first entered English usage around the 15th century.
The word 'sough' has its origins in the Scots language, where it meant to make a soft sound or to sigh. It is likely derived from a Middle English term, โsowenโ which meant to make a soft murmuring sound. Over time, โsoughโ has been integrated into broader English usage to describe similar sounds in nature. It reflects the way certain natural phenomena create a calming auditory experience, reminiscent of whispered exchanges among the elements. The usage of 'sough' in literature often evokes a connection between sound and environment, emphasizing the role of auditory sensations in the appreciation of nature, which is a prevalent theme in various forms of art and poetry.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,773, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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