Vocalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vocalize

[หˆvษ™สŠkษ™laษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

singing

To vocalize means to produce musical sounds with the voice, either with words or without words. It involves using the vocal cords to create sound vibrations that can be pleasant to listen to.

Synonyms

chant, sing, warble.

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Word Description / Examples
vocalize

Used to describe the act of making sounds with the voice, often refers to expressing thoughts or feelings aloud, not necessarily in a musical context.

  • She found it difficult to vocalize her emotions
  • The baby started to vocalize its discomfort
sing

Commonly used when talking about producing musical sounds with the voice, usually following a melody.

  • She loves to sing in the shower
  • Children sing Christmas carols during the holidays
chant

Typically used in the context of repeating a phrase, slogan, or prayer in unison by a group of people, often in a rhythmic and simple manner.

  • The crowd began to chant slogans during the protest
  • Monks gathered to chant their daily prayers
warble

Refers to singing or speaking in a trilling or quavering voice. Often used to describe birds, or sometimes people singing in a shaky manner.

  • The birds began to warble early in the morning
  • He tried to warble a tune but couldn't hold the notes

Examples of usage

  • She loves to vocalize in the shower every morning.
  • The opera singer had a remarkable ability to vocalize effortlessly.
  • Vocalizing helps to warm up the voice before a performance.
  • Students in the choir practice vocalizing together to improve their harmonies.
  • Professional singers often undergo training to improve their vocalizing techniques.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Vocal cords, located in the larynx, vibrate to create sound when air passes through them.
  • The pitch of a person's voice is primarily determined by the length and tension of their vocal cords.
  • Humans are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, enabling different forms of communication and expression.

Pop Culture

  • In music, 'vocalizing' refers to the use of voice in melodies without the aid of instruments.
  • Reality singing competitions often emphasize the importance of vocalizing properly to enhance performance.
  • Vocal coaches in the entertainment industry focus on helping singers perfect their vocal techniques.

Psychology

  • Vocal expression can significantly influence emotional communication; tone and pitch convey feelings.
  • Studies show that articulating thoughts verbally can help improve clarity in thinking and decision-making.
  • Therapists often encourage patients to vocalize their emotions as a part of the healing process.

Literature

  • In poetry, the act of vocalizing can highlight rhythm and sound, bringing words to life in a performative manner.
  • Narrative styles often use vocal elements to convey charactersโ€™ emotions and intentions.
  • Authors sometimes explore the theme of voice, giving characters distinct ways of vocalizing their thoughts and feelings.

Origin of 'vocalize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vocalis', meaning 'of the voice' or 'vocal'.
  • It was adopted into English in the late 19th century, reflecting developments in speech and singing.
  • The prefix 'vocal-' relates to voice, while '-ize' indicates a process or action.

The word 'vocalize' originated from the Latin word 'vocalis', meaning 'vocal' or 'related to the voice'. It first appeared in English in the mid-18th century. The concept of vocalizing has been an integral part of human expression and communication for centuries, evolving from basic sounds to complex musical performances.


See also: multivocality, univocal, vocalese, vocalic, vocalist, vocalization, vocalized, vocalizer, vocalizing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,116, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.