Ticking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ticking
[ˈtɪkɪŋ ]
Definitions
sound
A regular short, sharp sound made by a clock or similar device.
Synonyms
clicking, tapping, ticking sound.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ticking |
This word is often used to describe the repetitive sound made by a clock or watch. It gives a sense of regular intervals and is usually associated with the passage of time.
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| clicking |
This term is commonly used for short, sharp sounds, like the one made by pressing a mouse button, a camera shutter, or certain types of machinery.
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| tapping |
This word refers to a light, quick, and repetitive sound or action, often made by fingers or small objects making contact with a surface.
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| ticking sound |
This phrase specifically denotes the sound similar to that of a clock, emphasizing the auditory aspect. It often underscores the subtlety or regularity of the sound.
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Examples of usage
- I could hear the ticking of the clock in the background.
- The ticking of the timer signaled that the food was ready.
time
Mark or accompany the passage of time by the regular occurrence of a sound or motion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ticking |
Can also refer to the act of marking off tasks or items on a list, but it's less common in this context.
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| count down |
Often used when referring to a sequence of backwardly counted numbers to indicate the time remaining before an event or operation.
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| measure |
Appropriate when discussing the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something, typically using an instrument or device.
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| track |
Best used when referring to monitoring progress, movement, or keeping a record of something over time.
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Examples of usage
- The clock on the wall was ticking away the minutes.
- She watched the seconds ticking on her watch.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The phenomenon of ticking in clocks is due to a gear mechanism that creates a rhythmic sound, helping to indicate time intervals.
- Certain atomic clocks use the vibrations or 'ticks' of atoms to keep incredibly accurate time, diverging from mechanical ticking.
Psychology
- The ticking of clocks can create a sense of urgency, often affecting our perception of time during stressful situations.
- Research shows that constant ticking sounds can increase anxiety levels in some individuals, making the environment feel more rushed.
Pop Culture
- In movies and songs, the sound of ticking often symbolizes impending danger or a countdown, heightening suspense.
- The phrase 'the ticking time bomb' is frequently used in thrillers to signify a situation that could explode at any moment.
Literature
- Many authors use the motif of a ticking clock to symbolize the inevitable passage of time and the characters' races against it.
- Lewis Carroll employed the image of a ticking in 'Alice in Wonderland' to create a whimsical yet absurd view of time.
Origin of 'ticking'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ticking' originally referred to the soft sound of a clock, derived from 'tick' which has roots tracing back to the early 17th century.
- In Old English, 'ticcian' meant to touch or to beat lightly, which relates closely to the sound produced by clocks.
The word 'ticking' originated from the Old English word 'ticcen' which meant a cloth case for a mattress or pillow. The sense of 'ticking' as a ticking sound can be traced back to the early 17th century. Over time, it evolved to also refer to the ticking sound made by clocks and similar devices. The verb form of 'ticking' to mark the passage of time emerged later, around the 19th century.