sound

Something you hear, such as a voice, music, or a noise.

• I heard a strange sound.
• The door opened without a sound.
• What sounds can you hear outside?

How to use it: sound of something (I heard the sound of rain.)

Similar words: noise

Common phrases: loud sound, sound of something, make a sound, sound waves

A narrow area of sea between land areas, or a long narrow part reaching into the land.

• Boats crossed the sound at dawn.
• The island lies across a narrow sound.
• Strong currents flow through the sound.

Similar words: strait, channel, inlet

Common phrases: across the sound, narrow sound, sail the sound

Strong, complete, and safe to use, with no serious damage or weakness.

• The old bridge is still sound.
• An engineer checked that the roof was structurally sound.
• We need sound foundations before building the walls.

Similar words: solid, secure, strong

Opposites: unsound

Common phrases: sound structure, structurally sound, sound foundations

Healthy and free from injury or illness.

• The children arrived home safe and sound.
• She remained of sound mind into old age.
• The vet confirmed that the horse was sound.

Similar words: healthy, unharmed

Opposites: unhealthy

Common phrases: safe and sound, sound mind, sound body

Good, acceptable, or pleasant to deal with.

• He is a sound guy.
• I feel sound today, thanks.
• Your friends seem sound.

Similar words: good, decent, nice

Common phrases: sound guy, sound person, sound mate

Used to say that you agree, understand, or are pleased with something.

• “I booked the tickets.” “Sound!”
• “Meet you at six.” “Sound, see you then.”
• “You can borrow my bike.” “Sound, thanks!”

Similar words: okay, great, right

Common phrases: sound thanks, sound mate