Swish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
swish
[swษชส ]
Definitions
basketball
To move with a hissing or rushing sound, often used to describe the sound of a basketball passing through the net.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swish |
Commonly used to describe the sound of something moving smoothly through the air or space, often in a repetitive motion.
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| swoosh |
Often associated with a quick, smooth movement through the air, frequently used in branding (such as Nike).
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| whoosh |
Imitates the sound of something moving rapidly and smoothly through the air, usually creating a sense of speed and momentum.
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| whiz |
Describes a high-speed motion, usually with a sense of excitement or amazement. May have an informal tone.
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Examples of usage
- The basketball swished through the net for a perfect three-point shot.
- The player's shot swished through the hoop, scoring a crucial point for the team.
sound
A rushing or hissing sound produced by something moving quickly through the air.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swish |
Swish is often used to describe a smooth, soft sound or movement, especially in the context of clothing, fabric, or a fast, gliding motion.
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| swoosh |
Swoosh is commonly associated with a faster, sweeping sound or movement, often used in sports or in describing the motion of fast objects through air or water.
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| whoosh |
Whoosh generally conveys a sudden, fast movement with a rushing noise, often used to describe the passage of air or water.
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| whiz |
Whiz is used to describe something or someone moving very quickly, often with a high-pitched sound. It can also be used informally to describe someone who is very skilled at something.
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Examples of usage
- The swish of the wind through the trees was calming.
- I could hear the swish of the car passing by at high speed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In basketball, a perfect shot that goes straight into the basket without touching the rim or backboard is called a 'swish'.
- The swish is often celebrated in basketball because it signifies skill and accuracy.
Cultural References
- The term is often used in fashion, describing the graceful movement of fabrics like silk or satin when they sway.
- In music, sounds that swoosh or swish can create a smooth, flowing rhythm, adding a layer of enjoyment to songs.
Psychology
- The sound associated with 'swish' can be linked to feelings of excitement and satisfaction, especially in action sports.
- The concept can evoke a sense of freedom and fluidity, often relating to positive emotional states.
Literature
- Authors often use the word to describe movement, giving readers a visual sense of speed or elegance in scenes.
- Classic poetry sometimes employs the sound of 'swish' to create a rhythmic quality that enhances the emotional tone of the work.
Origin of 'swish'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'swish' likely comes from an imitation of the sound made by moving quickly, first recorded in the late 19th century.
- It may have roots in Middle English, where similar words described swishing movements or sounds.
The word 'swish' originated in the 16th century from the imitative formation of the sound itself. It has been used to describe the sound of something moving swiftly through the air, like an arrow or a basketball. Over time, it has become commonly associated with basketball and the satisfying sound of the ball passing cleanly through the net.
See also: swishing.