sound
sound Lexical Profile
sound Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
"The soothing sound of rain tapping against the window helped everyone relax."
Music, speech, and acoustic effects when recorded, broadcast, or distinctively styled by a performer.
"The jazz ensemble developed a distinctive acoustic sound that set them apart from their contemporaries."
The impression or implication conveyed by a statement, description, or proposal.
"We liked the sound of the new research fellowship and decided to apply immediately."
A wide coastal inlet of the sea or ocean that is larger than a bay, or a narrow channel connecting two larger bodies of water or separating an island from the mainland.
"Ferry boats cross the calm waters of the sound several times a day to connect the island communities."
• verb
To convey a specified impression when heard or described.
"Your proposal for the community garden sounds wonderful to everyone on the committee."
To emit or cause to emit noise, music, or an audible signal.
"The bell will sound at noon to mark the end of the morning lecture."
To inquire cautiously or discreetly into the opinions or intentions of someone.
"The director decided to sound the board members on the new policy before calling a formal vote."
To measure the depth of water in a sea, lake, or river by means of a weighted line or sonar.
"The research vessel paused near the reef to sound the depth of the ocean floor."
• adjective
Based on valid reason, good judgment, or reliable evidence.
"Her mentor always offered sound financial advice before she signed any major business contracts."
In good condition; not damaged, injured, or diseased.
"Despite the age of the cottage, the surveyor confirmed that the roof and foundations were structurally sound."
Deep, undisturbed, and complete (especially in reference to sleep).
"A cool, quiet bedroom is essential for a sound night's sleep."
• adverb
Deeply and completely (used especially with 'asleep').
"Exhausted from the long mountain hike, the children were sound asleep within minutes of going to bed."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Sound' is a homonym representing four distinct etymological roots: acoustic vibration (from Latin 'sonus'), health or validity (from Old English 'gesund'), a coastal inlet (from Old English 'sund'), and measuring depth (from Old French 'sonder'). As an adverb, 'sound' is restricted almost exclusively to the collocation 'sound asleep', whereas 'soundly' is used in all other contexts.
• Rhymes for sound
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The acoustic noun and verb derive via Anglo-Norman from Latin 'sonus' (noise, tone). The adjective meaning healthy or reliable comes from Old English 'gesund' (safe, whole), while the geographical noun derives from Old English 'sund' (swimming, strait of water).