thunder
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈθʌndər/
KK: /ˈθʌndər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a loud noise similar to the sound of thunder, often during a storm.
Example
The sky darkened, and soon it began to thunder loudly.
Tense Forms
Past: thundered
Past Participle: thundered
Conversation
Did you hear that? It seems like the sky is about to thunder.
Yeah, I love the sound of a good storm coming in!
Me too! It always makes me feel so cozy inside.
Exactly! It's the perfect time for a movie marathon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rumble
boom
roar
Antonyms
whisper
murmur
silence
noun
Definition
A loud sound that occurs during a storm, caused by the rapid expansion of air after a lightning strike.
Example
The thunder rumbled in the distance as the storm approached.
Conversation
Did you hear that thunder last night?
Yeah, it was so loud!
I thought the storm would never end with all that thunder.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a loud, deep sound like thunder, often used to describe a loud noise or command.
Example
The teacher thundered at the students to pay attention.
Tense Forms
Past: thundered
Past Participle: thundered
Conversation
Did you hear him thunder at the meeting yesterday?
Yeah, he was really passionate about his ideas.
I thought it was a bit too intense, though.
Root Explanation
Thunder → The word 'thunder' originates from Old English 'þunor', which is related to the Proto-Germanic '*thunraz', meaning a loud noise or rumble. It is also connected to the Proto-Indo-European root '*bher-', meaning to carry or to make a noise. The word 'thunder' refers to the loud sound produced during a storm, often associated with lightning.
Memory Tip
Imagine the loud 'noise' ('þunor') that 'carries' ('bher-') through the sky during a storm — that's what thunder is.
Visually Confused Words
tunder
upthunder
rethunder
bethunder
thonder
hounder
under
tuner