WordGarden.iosonic
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɒnɪk/
US
- /ˈsɑnɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to sound, especially its quality or design in music, media, or an environment
relating to sound waves or using sound to detect, measure, or affect something
moving at, near, or beyond the speed of sound
Beyond the definition
The word "sonic" comes from the Latin sonus, meaning sound. In everyday English, it simply means "related to sound" or "using sound." You will see it in phrases like "sonic boom," where it refers to a shock wave linked to sound, but also in things like a sonic toothbrush, which works through very fast vibrations.
People also use it when talking about the sound quality of music, film, or audio design. In that setting, it points to the character of what you hear rather than to sight or meaning. So if something is described as "sonic," the idea is usually that sound is the main focus.
"Sonic" is an adjective that means "relating to sound." It comes from the Latin sonus, meaning sound, and it is used in both technical and everyday contexts. At its core, the word points to hearing, sound waves, or systems that depend on sound.
One common place people meet the word is in phrases like "sonic boom," where it refers to the effect connected with sound when an aircraft moves faster than sound travels. In science and technology, it can describe tools or processes that use sound waves or rapid vibrations, such as a sonic cleaner, a sonic toothbrush, or sonic testing methods.
The word is also common in discussions of music, film, and media. There, "sonic" often describes the sound side of something: its tone, texture, mood, or overall audio style. A reviewer might talk about a film's "sonic world" or a band's "sonic style" to focus on how it sounds rather than what it looks like.
Although it sometimes appears in dramatic phrases, "sonic" does not by itself mean loud, powerful, or overwhelming. It is a broader word than that. It simply marks a connection to sound. That is why it fits a wide range of uses, from physics and engineering to music reviews and creative writing.
Examples
- 1
Aviation
The jet passed overhead and left a sonic boom that shook the windows.
- Phrasesonic boom
loud noise caused when something moves faster than sound
- 2
Film effects
The film uses low, rumbling sonic effects to make the audience feel uneasy.
- 3
Music texture
Even on cheap speakers, the song has a rich sonic texture.
- 4
Branding
The company replaced its old jingle with a cleaner sonic logo.
- Phrasesonic logo
a short sound used to identify a brand
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sonicadjective