Thundered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from the Old English 'þunor', which was related to the ancient Germanic deity of thunder, Thor.
• In many languages, similar words for thunder derive from ancient roots, highlighting its universal significance in human culture.
• The 'th' sound in 'thunder' is a voiceless dental fricative, which adds a unique auditory quality to the word.

Science

• Thunder is produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by a lightning strike, which can reach temperatures five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
• The speed of sound is roughly 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second) in air, meaning that you see lightning before you hear the corresponding thunder.
• Research shows that thunder can vary in pitch and duration, which are influenced by environmental factors like humidity and temperature.

Cultural Impact

• In many cultures, thunder is often personified as a deity or a magical entity, reflecting humanity's fascination and fear of storms.
• Literature often uses thunder as a dramatic device to signify turmoil or foreboding, enhancing the emotional weight of certain scenes.
• In various folk traditions, people believe that thunder carries messages from the gods, emphasizing its importance in cultural storytelling.

Psychology

• Sounds like thunder can evoke primal fear responses, often related to loud, unexpected noises that hearken back to survival instincts.
• Studies suggest that individuals with anxiety disorders may experience heightened sensitivity to thunder and other loud sounds.
• Thunderstorms are known to be associated with a sense of awe and wonderment, contributing to feelings of introspection or inspiration in some individuals.

Music

• Thunder has been represented in music through powerful percussion, creating dramatic effects or evoking the feeling of a storm.
• Many composers use the imagery of thunder in their pieces, such as Beethoven in 'The Pastoral Symphony', which portrays nature's chaos.
• Certain genres of music, like heavy metal, often embrace thunderous sounds to convey power and intensity.

With rank #19,210, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 19207 cello
• 19208 indomitable
• 19209 ardently
• 19210 thundered
• 19211 idioms
• 19212 playwrights
• 19213 sentient
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