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Sough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sough

sough

🇺🇸 /ˈsaʊf/ · 🇬🇧 /sˈəʊ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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

murmur, rustle, whisper.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

murmur, soughing, whisper.

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.

Quick facts about “sough”

Sough is a 1-syllable verb and noun. It is pronounced /ˈsaʊf/ in American English and /sˈəʊ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #36,773 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“sough” in 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.

“sough” in 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.

“sough” in 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.

“sough” in 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 'súga', 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, ‘sowen’ which meant to make a soft murmuring sound. Over time, ‘sough’ 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.

Rhymes

Sough rhymes with schauf.

See all rhymes →

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.