Sound Meaning

UK /saʊnd/
US /saʊnd/
Word Definition
sound meaning

Sound Definition & Usage

noun

A vibration that travels through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's ear.

Examples

  • "I heard a strange sound coming from the basement."
  • "The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was very calming."
  • "He couldn't hear her because the sound of the traffic was too loud."
  • "The sound of laughter filled the room."
  • "The sound of the alarm woke me up in the middle of the night."
adjective

In good condition or health, reliable, or free from defects.

Examples

  • "The car is in sound condition, despite its age."
  • "She gave a sound argument during the debate."
  • "We need sound advice on how to approach the project."
  • "His reasoning was sound, and everyone agreed with his proposal."
  • "They were in sound financial health after their successful investment."
verb

To produce or emit a noise or vibration.

Examples

  • "The bell sounded, signaling the start of the meeting."
  • "He sounded the horn to warn the pedestrians."
  • "The dog sounded its bark when the mailman arrived."
  • "The alarm sounded off unexpectedly in the middle of the night."
  • "She sounded cheerful on the phone."
noun

A body of water, especially one that connects two larger bodies of water.

Examples

  • "The ship sailed across the sound between the islands."
  • "The fishermen lived near the sound, where they caught most of their fish."
  • "A narrow sound separated the two parts of the island."
  • "The sound was calm today, perfect for sailing."
  • "They anchored in the sound, waiting for better weather."

Cultural Context

The word 'sound' has diverse meanings and uses, ranging from the physical sensation of hearing to describing a body of water. The term is deeply rooted in both physical science and everyday language, with its various meanings often dependent on context. Its evolution comes from Old English 'sund', which referred to a strait or narrow sea, and the modern sense of 'sound' as an auditory phenomenon developed over time.

The Sound of a Decision

Story

The Sound of a Decision

In the quiet town of Eldergrove, Mia was struggling with an important decision: whether to sell her family’s antique store and move to the city. As she sat by the window, the gentle sound of birds chirping outside provided a soothing contrast to the turmoil inside her mind. She could hear the faint sound of a train passing in the distance, a sound that she had grown accustomed to over the years. But today, it seemed to symbolize her uncertainty. Her phone buzzed. It was her brother, Tom. 'Mia, have you thought about the offer from the city?' he asked. She could hear the concern in his voice, but also a sense of finality. 'I don’t know, Tom,' Mia replied, 'It just doesn’t feel like a sound decision. The offer is tempting, but I’m not sure it’s right.' She thought about the antique shop, its history, and the memories attached to it. The day passed, and as the sun set, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below her house echoed in her ears. It was a familiar sound, comforting and constant. Mia realized that perhaps, like the sound of the waves, her decision would come to her naturally. It would require careful thought and reflection, but the sound of the waves reminded her that some choices, like the tides, are inevitable. The next morning, Mia made her decision. She would not sell the shop. Instead, she would find a way to grow the business, to make it stronger. The decision was sound, she realized, because it was based on what felt right in her heart. And when she told Tom, she heard the relief in his voice. In the end, Mia learned that a sound decision, just like the sound of the waves, comes when you listen to what’s truly important.

The Sound of a Decision