WordGarden.iosounder
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaʊndə/
US
- /ˈsaʊndər/
Meanings
Adjective
more reliable, sensible, healthy, or secure
Noun
a device that emits or uses sound for signaling or measurement, such as an alarm unit or depth finder
a group of wild boars or feral pigs
Beyond the definition
Picture someone getting a better night's rest: a sounder sleeper sleeps more deeply and peacefully. As the comparative form of "sound," this word usually means healthier, more solid, more dependable, or more sensible. A sounder horse is in better physical condition. A sounder plan feels safer and more reliable. You may also meet it as a noun: a sounder is a group of wild pigs moving together.
"Sounder" might not be a word you hear every day, but it carries a lovely sense of increasing strength and well-being. Primarily, it is used as a comparative adjective, meaning more sound. It describes something that has become healthier, stronger, or more reliable than it was previously.
You might say someone has "sounder judgment" after gaining life experience, meaning their decision-making skills have become more logical and grounded. You could also describe sleep as "sounder" when it is particularly deep and restorative—a night of truly restful slumber. After a week of recovery, a patient's health might be described as "sounder," suggesting a positive shift toward wholeness.
Historically, the word has had strong ties to physical condition. In the world of livestock, a "sound" animal is one free from disease or lameness; "sounder" simply emphasizes that healthy condition even more. It can also describe financial stability. A "sounder investment" is one with a lower risk of failure, offering a more secure future for your money.
Interestingly, "sounder" is also a specific noun used by naturalists and hunters. In this context, a "sounder" refers to a collective group or herd of wild boars. So, whether you are describing an improved state of mind, a more restful night, or a group of wild pigs moving through the forest, "sounder" suggests a sense of solid, undeniable presence.
Examples
- 1
Medical decision
After the second opinion, she felt more confident that the surgery was a sounder choice.
- 2
Financial position
The company is on a sounder financial footing than it was last year.
- Phrasesound footing
a safe and stable position
- 3
Evidence
We need sounder evidence before we make a final decision.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- soundernounadjective