WordGarden.iosigh
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaɪ/
US
- /ˈsaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to let out a long audible breath because of sadness, tiredness, relief, or longing
to say something with a sigh or in a weary, longing way
Noun
a long audible breath expressing sadness, tiredness, relief, or longing
Interjection
used in writing to show resignation, disappointment, or mild exasperation
Beyond the definition
A sigh is more than just breathing out; it often shows a feeling without any words. It can come after disappointment, stress, relief, tiredness, or quiet happiness. You might sigh with relief after a problem is over, or sigh in frustration when something goes wrong. A long, heavy one can show worry or sadness, while a soft one can show comfort or calm. Sometimes, it is simply a natural pause before someone speaks or thinks again.
To sigh is to let out a long, deep breath, often with a sound, usually to show a feeling. It is a common human response to sadness, relief, frustration, tiredness, contentment, boredom, and other emotions. A sigh is not just air leaving the lungs; it often tells you something about what a person is feeling inside.
Context matters. A tired parent might sigh wearily after putting the kids to bed. A student might sigh with relief after finishing a difficult test. Someone may sigh sadly when remembering the past, or sigh dramatically to make their disappointment more obvious.
A sigh can also happen without strong drama. Sometimes it is a small release of tension. Sometimes it marks a pause in thought. In stories and daily life, it often works as a clear sign that words are not fully saying what a person feels.
Writers often use sighs to show emotion quickly, whether the feeling is love, regret, stress, or peace. In everyday conversation, people understand this signal easily. When someone sighs, they may be releasing emotion, reacting to a situation, or showing a state of mind without needing to explain it directly.
Examples
- 1
Quiet reaction
She sighed and looked out the window.
- 2
Heavy workload
He sighed when he saw how much work was left.
- 3
Medical relief
We all sighed with relief when the doctor said everything was fine.
- 4
Dialogue
"I know," she sighed, "but we don't have enough time."
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Digital stress
He let out a long sigh before opening the email.
- Phraselet out a sigh
make a sigh
- 6
Power outage
There was a sigh of relief when the lights came back on.
- Phrasea sigh of relief
a sign that people feel less worried
- 7
Annoyed response
She just sighed at my question instead of answering it.
- Patternsigh at + person/question
react with annoyance, tiredness, or disappointment
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sighnounverb
Forms
- sighspluralnounverb
- sighedpast tenseverbnoun
- sighing-ing formverbnoun