Definition

Adverb In a manner that produces a soft, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound, like that of the wind moving through trees.

Usage

This adverb is used to describe an action, typically a movement, that creates a gentle, whispering, or sighing noise. It is a literary and descriptive word, often found in poetry or evocative prose to create an atmospheric sound effect.

Examples

• The tall pines swayed soughingly in the night wind.
• The curtains billowed soughingly at the open window.
• Her silk dress moved soughingly as she walked.

Advanced Usage

• Onomatopoeic and Literary Effect: The word is onomatopoeic, imitating the sound it describes. Its primary use is to add a layer of sensory detail and mood (often peaceful, melancholic, or mysterious) to descriptive writing.
  • The reeds whispered soughingly along the riverbank, a lonely and ancient sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Sough (verb): To make a soft, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound.
  • The wind soughed in the chimney.
• Sough (noun): A soft, murmuring, or rustling sound.
  • the distant sough of the sea

Synonyms

• Whisperingly
• Rustlingly
• Murmuringly
• Sighingly

Antonyms

• Boisterously
• Clamorously
• Deafeningly
• Roaringly

Adverb

1. with a soft sound
   • the branches of the trees moved soughingly in the breeze