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Thundering: meaning, definitions and examples

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thundering

 

[ˈθʌndərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

making a loud, deep, resonant sound

Synonyms

deafening, roaring, rumbling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thundering

Used to describe a loud, deep sound like thunder, often conveying power or intensity.

  • The thundering applause filled the stadium; The thundering roar of the waterfall was mesmerizing
deafening

Used when a sound is so loud that it overwhelms all other noise and can make it hard to hear anything else.

  • The deafening sound of the jet engines made conversation impossible; The construction noise outside the window was deafening
roaring

Used to describe a loud, continuous noise, often with an energetic or aggressive connotation.

  • The roaring crowd at the concert was ecstatic; The lion let out a roaring growl
rumbling

Used for a deep, resonant sound that often suggests something in motion or a distant noise.

  • The rumbling of distant thunder warned of an approaching storm; The rumbling of the train could be felt before it was heard

Examples of usage

  • The thundering sound of the waterfall could be heard from miles away.
  • The thundering noise of the approaching storm sent shivers down her spine.
Context #2 | Verb

action

to make a loud, rumbling noise like thunder

Synonyms

boom, roar, rumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thundering

Useful when describing a loud, deep noise that resembles thunder. Often used to convey a sense of power or intensity.

  • The thundering hooves of the horses echoed across the valley
  • His thundering voice filled the auditorium
roar

Typically describes a long, loud sound produced by a crowd, an animal, or machinery. Can imply excitement, anger, or raw power.

  • The lion's roar could be heard throughout the zoo
  • The crowd's roar of approval was deafening
rumble

Generally refers to a continuous, low, resonant sound. Often used to describe distant thunder, the noise of an earthquake, or machinery.

  • The distant rumble of thunder warned us of the approaching storm
  • The rumble of the train was constant and soothing
boom

Best used for a sudden, loud, and deep sound, often associated with explosions, cannons, or fireworks. It implies a quick, impactful noise.

  • The fireworks went off with a loud boom
  • We heard the boom of the cannon from miles away

Examples of usage

  • The drums thundered in the distance during the celebration.
  • The cannons thundered as the battle commenced.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from Old English 'thunor', which means thunder, connecting closely to the sound it describes.
  • The root can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*thunraz', related to fierce weather.
  • Similar words appear in multiple languages, like 'tonnerre' in French, showcasing its universal nature.

Nature

  • Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of heated air from lightning, creating that recognizable rumble we hear.
  • Thundering is not only a sound but can also describe the movement of large animals, like elephants, creating vibrations similar to thunder.
  • Certain weather phenomena, like thunderstorms, can produce over 30 different types of thunder sounds, indicating varying storm intensities.

Literature

  • In literature, the term 'thundering' often symbolizes power or impending danger, enriching narratives with a sense of drama.
  • Well-known authors like Shakespeare used the sound of thunder to evoke emotion or foreshadow events, making their stories more immersive.
  • Children’s books often depict thundering noises to illustrate a storm, helping young readers visualize and feel the atmosphere.

Pop Culture

  • Music often uses the term 'thundering' to describe powerful beats or sounds that energize listeners, like in rock or electronic genres.
  • Movies frequently use the sound of thunder to enhance suspense, making scenes more thrilling and engaging.
  • Video games utilize thundering sound effects to elevate excitement during battles or dramatic events, enhancing player experience.

Psychology

  • The sound of thunder can trigger a fight-or-flight response in some people, leading to feelings of fear or excitement based on their past experiences.
  • Studies suggest that loud noises like thunder can affect mood, influencing creativity or causing temporary stress.
  • Children often build phobias around thunder due to its association with strong weather, impacting their emotional development.

Translations

Translations of the word "thundering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trovão

🇮🇳 गर्जन

🇩🇪 donnernd

🇮🇩 menggelegar

🇺🇦 гримлячий

🇵🇱 grzmiący

🇯🇵 雷鳴

🇫🇷 tonnerre

🇪🇸 tronante

🇹🇷 gürleyen

🇰🇷 천둥치는

🇸🇦 رعد

🇨🇿 hřmící

🇸🇰 hrmavý

🇨🇳 雷鸣

🇸🇮 grmeč

🇮🇸 þrumandi

🇰🇿 гүрілдеу

🇬🇪 გრგვინვა

🇦🇿 güclü gurultu

🇲🇽 tronante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,710, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.