Sounding
ˈsaʊndɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make a particular noise or to seem to have a particular quality or effect on the ear.
ˈsaʊndɪŋ
Making a particular noise or having a certain quality or effect on the ear.
The alarm clock was sounding too loudly.
💡 Simply: When something is sounding, it means you can hear it, and the sound has a certain quality. Like, 'The car engine is sounding rough.'
👶 For kids: To make a noise, like a bell ringing or a car going 'vroom!'
More Examples
Her voice sounded weak.
The car sounded like it was about to break down.
How It's Used
"The music was sounding good at the concert."
"Her argument sounded reasonable."
To measure the depth of water, typically with a line or instrument.
ˈsaʊndɪŋ
To measure the depth of water with a line or instrument.
The captain ordered the crew to begin sounding the depth.
💡 Simply: Sounding in this case is about finding out how deep something is, especially in the water. Think of a boat using a special tool to see how deep the water is under it.
👶 For kids: To measure how deep something is, like how far down the bottom of the ocean is.
More Examples
They used sonar to sound the area.
The navigator was sounding the channel for safe passage.
How It's Used
"The ship was sounding the depths of the ocean."
"Explorers are sounding for new undiscovered depths."
Presenting a particular impression or idea.
ˈsaʊndɪŋ
That is designed to give a particular impression or idea.
The plan sounded promising.
💡 Simply: If something is 'sounding' a certain way, it's creating a specific impression. Like, 'That business deal sounds promising!'
👶 For kids: Like a 'sound' to your ears. If something is 'sounding' good, it gives you a good feeling.
More Examples
His reasons for being late sounded plausible.
The situation sounded dire.
How It's Used
"The contract sounded like it was legitimate."
"He gave her a sounding gift to make up for missing her birthday."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sounding board
A person or thing used to test out ideas or opinions.
"She used her colleague as a sounding board to get feedback on her presentation."
sounding out
To try and discover someone's views or opinions.
"She was sounding him out about his intentions before the meeting."
From Middle English sounden, sonding, from Old English sund, meaning 'swimming, sea' and also 'probe, exploration'. Related to the verb 'sound' (to measure depth).
In historical texts, 'sounding' was used extensively in nautical contexts, describing the process of measuring water depth to ensure safe navigation.
Memory tip
Think of how a musical note sounds – the verb focuses on the auditory experience.
Word Origin
"Relating to a probe, exploration and to measure depth."