Unhearable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unhearable

 

[ ʌnˈhɪərəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

sound quality

Unhearable refers to something that cannot be heard. It typically describes sounds that are too faint, muffled, or high in frequency for the human ear to detect.

Synonyms

imperceptible, inaudible, silent.

Examples of usage

  • The whispers in the room were almost unhearable.
  • Certain frequencies are unhearable to humans but detectable by animals.
  • The unhearable sounds of nature can still be felt in the environment.

Etymology

The term 'unhearable' is a combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the root word 'hear', which is derived from Old English 'hyran', meaning 'to perceive sound'. The concept of something being unhearable aligns with the evolution of sound studies and acoustic science, particularly as understanding of sound waves and their frequencies advanced. The development of the term reflects the linguistic trend to use prefixes to create oppositional meanings, providing a succinct way to describe sounds that fall below the threshold of human hearing. This word has gained relevance in contemporary discussions around sound technology and audio engineering, where distinguishing between audible and unhearable frequencies is crucial.