sonus
[ˈsɔ.nʊs]masculine
The English word sound is translated into Latin as sonus. Wiktionary also lists sonor and sonitus.
Meaning: sensation perceived by the ear (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sonus | [ˈsɔ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɔː.nus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| sonor | [ˈsɔ.nɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɔː.nor] (narrow) |
masculine |
| sonitus | [ˈsɔ.nɪ.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɔː.ni.tus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The term refers to the sensation perceived by the ear. It is used in both scientific and abstract contexts to describe the phenomenon of sound itself.
Which one should you use?
While sonus is the general term for sound, sonitus refers to a specific, perceptible noise or a sudden sound. Additionally, sonor is another masculine form related to sound.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of sonus is soni. When using sonus as a direct object, use the accusative form sonum. All three main forms, sonus, sonor and sonitus, are masculine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse sonus (sound) with sanus, which means healthy.
Did you know?
- The Latin word sonus is a distant relative of the English word 'swan', as both originate from an ancient root meaning 'to sound'.
- The English word 'sonorous', used to describe deep or full sounds, is a direct linguistic descendant of the Latin sonor.
- The English word 'sonometer', a device for measuring sound, preserves the Latin root sonus in its scientific name.
Examples in context
- Sonus minus velox est luce.Sound is less quick than light.This sentence compares the speed of sonus to light.Tatoeba #5031265 by alexmarcelo, translation #664089 by bluepie88
- Sonitus pluviae musica mihi est.The sound of rain is music to me.This sentence describes the specific noise of rain using sonitus.Tatoeba #12930372 by carlosalberto, translation #12858372 by CK
- Lux multo celerior quam sonus est.Light is much faster than sound.This sentence illustrates that light is faster than sonus.Tatoeba #5049308 by alexmarcelo, translation #599130 by baisong
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Gaius are listening to something in the distance.
- JuliaAudisne hunc sonum?Do you hear this sound?
- GaiusIta, sed non scio quid sit.Yes, but I do not know what it is.
- JuliaSonus videtur venire ex silva.The sound seems to be coming from the forest.
- GaiusFortasse avis est.Perhaps it is a bird.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sound” translations and entries sonus, sonor, sonitus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sonitus, sonor, sonus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
