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Thundering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'thundering'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'thundering' originated from the Old English word 'thunrian', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'thunraz'. The concept of thunder has been associated with power, strength, and awe throughout history, with various mythologies attributing it to gods or other supernatural beings. The verb form 'thunder' has been used in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of grandeur and intensity.

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.