Soulful: meaning, definitions and examples

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soulful

 

[ ˈsoʊl.fəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

deep feeling

The term 'soulful' is often used to describe music or expressions that are deeply emotional and resonate with the listener. It suggests a depth of feeling that transcends the ordinary, often invoking a sense of nostalgia or profound connection. Soulful performances can stir the emotions, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The word is commonly associated with genres like soul music, which emphasizes emotion and personal expression.

Synonyms

emotional, expressive, heartfelt, moving, passionate.

Examples of usage

  • She delivered a soulful rendition of the classic song.
  • His soulful eyes reflected his inner turmoil.
  • The artist is known for her soulful melodies.

Translations

Translations of the word "soulful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 soulful

🇮🇳 आत्मीय

🇩🇪 seelenvoll

🇮🇩 berjiwa

🇺🇦 душевний

🇵🇱 duszny

🇯🇵 魂のある

🇫🇷 émouvant

🇪🇸 profundo

🇹🇷 duygusal

🇰🇷 영혼이 담긴

🇸🇦 نفسي

🇨🇿 duševní

🇸🇰 duševný

🇨🇳 灵魂的

🇸🇮 duhovit

🇮🇸 sálrænn

🇰🇿 жанды

🇬🇪 სულიერი

🇦🇿 ruhlu

🇲🇽 profundo

Etymology

The word 'soulful' is derived from the noun 'soul', which has its roots in Old English 'sāwol', and Proto-Germanic '*saiwalō', meaning 'the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being'. The suffix '-ful' comes from Old English '-ful', meaning 'full of'. 'Soulful' first gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of music genres such as soul and rhythm and blues, where performers often infused their work with deep emotional resonance. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass any form of art or expression characterized by an emotional depth.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,198, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.