audible
/'ɔ:dəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Able to be heard; loud or clear enough to be perceived by the ear. This describes a sound that is within the range of human hearing and is not too faint or muffled.
- Perceptible by the ear. This emphasizes the sensory perception of sound.
Noun:
- (American Football) A play called at the line of scrimmage. In this specific sports context, it refers to a verbal change in the planned play after the teams have lined up.
Usage and Examples
Adjective:
- The teacher's voice was barely audible over the noise of the storm. (The sound of the teacher's voice could only just be heard.)
- Please ensure your microphone is on so your comments are audible to everyone. (Make sure your sound can be heard.)
- There was an audible sigh of relief from the audience. (A sigh that could be clearly heard came from the audience.)
Noun:
- The quarterback called an audible when he saw the defensive formation. (The quarterback verbally changed the play at the last moment.)
- Executing a successful audible requires great teamwork and communication. (Carrying out a changed play effectively needs coordination.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Audible to the naked ear": A phrase emphasizing that no special equipment is needed to hear the sound.
- The frequency of the sound is audible to the naked ear.
- The adjective often implies a contrast with inaudibility. It is frequently used with adverbs like .
- In technical contexts (e.g., acoustics, engineering), audible specifies sounds within the typical human hearing range (approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz).
Variants and Related Words
- Audibly (adverb): In a way that can be heard.
- She sighed audibly.
- Audibility (noun): The quality or state of being audible.
- The audibility of the announcement was poor.
- Inaudible (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning unable to be heard.
- His whisper was inaudible.
Synonyms
- Hearable: Capable of being heard (more formal/technical synonym).
- Perceptible: Able to be seen or heard.
- Clear: Easy to hear.
- Distinct: Easily heard and recognized.
Antonyms
- Inaudible: Not able to be heard.
- Silent: Making no sound.
- Faint: Very quiet and hard to hear.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Within audible range: Close enough to be heard.
- Please stay within audible range in case I need to call you.
- An audible gasp/cry/sigh: A common collocation indicating a sudden, involuntary sound that is clearly heard from a person or group, often showing surprise, pain, or relief.
Adjective
- heard or perceptible by the ear
- he spoke in an audible whisper
Noun
- a football play is changed orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage