sound*/*/*/

[saʊnd] noun I

1) [C] something that you can hear

Laura didn't make a sound as she left the room.[/ex]

the sound of voices/laughter/footsteps[/ex]

2) [U] the loudness of a radio, television etc

Syn:

volume

Turn the sound up a bit – I can't hear.[/ex]

•

by the sound of it — used for saying that you are basing your ideas on what you have heard or read[/ex]

He's pretty ill by the sound of it.[/ex]

like the sound of sth — to be pleased by something that you have heard or read[/ex]

A holiday in Greece? I like the sound of that![/ex]

Types of sound ■ bang a sound like an explosion ■ clank a sound like two heavy pieces of metal knocking together ■ crash a sound like a large object falling to the ground and breaking ■ creak a sound like the sound that is made by an old door when you push it open slowly ■ rattle a sound like a loose object hitting another object several times ■ squeak a sound like the noise that a mouse makes ■ thud a sound like something heavy falling to the ground II

verb

sound */*/*/[saʊnd]

1) [linking verb] to seem good, bad, interesting, exciting etc based on what you have heard, read, or know

It sounds as if he's never home.[/ex]

You make it sound as though he is the most boring man in the world.[/ex]

Malta sounds like a great place for a relaxing holiday.[/ex]

2) [linking verb] to show a particular emotion or quality in your voice

He sounded a bit annoyed.[/ex]

It sounds as if you're getting a cold.[/ex]

3) [I/T] to produce a sound, or to make something produce a sound

The sirens sounded, warning of a tornado.[/ex]

Trains are required to sound their whistles as they approach a crossing.[/ex]

4) [T] to express a particular attitude or opinion

Officials sounded a hopeful note about building the new school.[/ex]

The aim of the scheme is to sound a warning to teenagers about the dangers of smoking.[/ex]

•

sounds good/great etc — spoken used for telling someone that their idea or suggestion seems like a good one[/ex]

'How about dinner and a film tonight?' 'Sounds great.'[/ex]

- sound sb out

III

adj

sound [saʊnd]

1) involving the use of good judgment, and therefore likely to be effective or reliable

Ant:

unsound

Administrators should make sure the programmes are legally sound.[/ex]

He will be able to offer you sound advice and guidance.[/ex]

2) thorough

a sound understanding of basic teaching skills[/ex]

3) healthy

a sound heart[/ex]

4) safe, or in good condition

Investigators found the plane to be structurally sound.[/ex]

5) a sound sleep is one that it is difficult to wake you from

•

Words often used with sound Nouns often used with sound (adj, sense 1) ■ SOUND + advice, approach, decision, judgment, principle used about ways of thinking or behaving that are sensible and likely to be effective IV adv sound [saʊnd] sound asleep — sleeping very well[/ex]