The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

audible

IPA:

Dictionary definition of audible

Capable of being heard or perceived by the sense of hearing.
"The teacher's voice was barely audible over the noisy chatter of the students."

Detailed meaning of audible

It describes sounds, noises, or voices that are loud enough or clear enough to be detected or comprehended by the human ear. When something is audible, it can be heard and distinguished from other sounds or background noise. The term implies that the sound is within the range of human hearing or within a level that is perceptible to the ear. Audible can be used to describe a variety of sounds, whether they are natural or produced by man-made sources. It suggests that the sound is discernible, distinct, or sufficiently loud to be heard without the need for amplification or special devices. Audible can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is easily noticeable or discernible in a non-acoustic context. In summary, the adjective "audible" signifies the capacity of a sound to be heard or perceived by the sense of hearing.

Example sentences containing audible

1. The sound of the crashing waves was audible from miles away.
2. He whispered inaudibly, barely making an audible sound.
3. The concert was so loud that the music was clearly audible outside the venue.
4. The baby's giggles were adorable and audible throughout the room.
5. The referee blew the whistle, and the sharp sound was clearly audible to everyone on the field.
6. The thunderclap was so powerful that it was audible even indoors.

History and etymology of audible

The adjective 'audible' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'audibilis,' which is derived from 'audire,' meaning 'to hear.' In Latin, 'audibilis' denoted something that could be heard or perceived by the sense of hearing. As Latin influence spread to Old French, 'audibilis' transformed into 'audivel,' still retaining its sense of being capable of being heard. This term eventually made its way into Middle English as 'audible,' where it took on the same meaning it holds in modern English – something that can be heard or perceived by the sense of hearing. The etymology of 'audible' is firmly grounded in the notion of sound and hearing, emphasizing its capacity to be perceived through the auditory senses.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective audible:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of audible

1. The squeaking of the door hinges was clearly audible in the quiet hallway.
2. The speaker used a microphone to ensure that her voice was audible to the large audience.
3. The sound of footsteps grew increasingly audible as they approached.
4. The creaking stairs were audible as she climbed up to the attic.
5. The rustling leaves in the wind created a soothing and audible backdrop to their conversation.
6. The thunder was so loud it was clearly audible indoors.
7. His laughter was barely audible over the phone.
8. The singer's voice was beautifully audible in the concert hall.
9. The whispered conversation was barely audible from the next room.
10. The birds' chirping was clearly audible in the morning silence.
11. The alarm clock's beeping was loudly audible.
12. The audience's applause was thunderously audible.
13. The distant sirens were just barely audible.
14. The sound of rain on the roof was soothingly audible.
15. The teacher's instructions were clearly audible to all students.
16. The footsteps in the hallway were audibly approaching.
17. The rustling leaves in the breeze were faintly audible.
18. The announcement on the intercom was barely audible.
19. His heavy breathing was audibly nervous.
20. The recorded message was audibly distorted.
21. The engine's roar was distinctly audible from afar.
22. The wind howling through the trees was eerily audible.
23. The ticking of the clock was audibly persistent.
24. The whispered secret was only audible to those nearby.
25. The crashing waves were loudly audible on the shore.