Word of the Day, August 31: ‘Susurrus’

Word of the Day: SUSURRUS

Pronunciation: UK /suːˈsʊrəs/ US /suːˈsɜːrəs/

Meaning

'Susurrus' refers to a soft, whispering, murmuring or rustling sound. It is often used to describe the gentle noise made by leaves, wind, water or people speaking quietly.

Examples for daily usage

• The susurrus of the leaves made the walk through the forest especially peaceful.
• She fell asleep to the gentle susurrus of the waves.
• A quiet susurrus of conversation filled the room as the guests waited.

Origin and history

'Susurrus' comes from the Latin word susurrus'’, meaning a whisper, murmur or humming sound. It is related to the Latin verb 'susurrare', meaning "to whisper" or "to murmur".

The word entered English in the early 19th century. Its sound is particularly fitting for its meaning, since the repeated soft ‘s’ sounds can themselves suggest a whisper or rustle.

The related verb susurrate means to whisper or murmur, while susurration refers to a whispering, murmuring or rustling sound.

Also Read: Word of the Day, August 30: ‘Gossip’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

Unlike words such as noise or sound, susurrus usually evokes something soft and continuous. It is often used in descriptions of nature, particularly the sound of leaves moving in the breeze, rain falling or waves breaking gently.

The word is also popular in literary writing because it can create a strong sense of atmosphere. A writer might describe the susurrus of the forest or the susurrus of voices to make a scene feel intimate, mysterious or peaceful.

It can be used for both natural and human sounds. A crowd speaking quietly, for instance, might produce a susurrus of conversation. The word does not necessarily imply complete silence, but rather a low, continuous background murmur.

Interesting facts

Susurrus comes directly from Latin.

The Latin susurrare means "to whisper" or "to murmur".

The word is an example of onomatopoeia, as its soft, repeated sounds can evoke the whispering or rustling it describes.

Examples from literature:

• “A faint susurrus of leaves...” — Virginia Woolf, The Waves
• “the susurrus of the wind...” — James Joyce, Ulysses
• “the susurrus of the crowd...” — Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

Synonyms

• Whisper
• Murmur
• Rustle
• Soft sound

Antonyms

• Roar
• Clamour
• Racket
• Din
• Uproar
• Clatter
• Thunder

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