Definition

The quality or state of being loud, deep, and resonant, especially in sounds or speech.

Example

The sonority of her voice filled the entire room, captivating everyone who listened.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of sonority in speech sounds?

Not really, what does it mean?

It's basically how certain sounds are more resonant than others, like vowels being more sonorous than plosives.

That makes sense! I guess that's why they sound so much richer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sonority → It is formed from "sonor" (from Latin "sonorus", meaning sound) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "sonority" refers to the quality or state of being sonorous, or having a rich, deep sound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sound' ('sonor') to remember that 'sonority' means the quality of having a rich or deep sound.

Visually Confused Words