What is thunder? Pronunciation and usage in English

thunder means . Learn how to pronounce and use thunder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of thunder

thundernoun

/ˈθʌndə/
Definition & pronunciation of thunder

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "thunder" in English. It's a tricky one because it’s a bit unusual! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈθʌndər/ (rhymes with "under")

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ - This symbol (a little sideways 'p') indicates primary stress. It means this syllable is the most emphasized part of the word.
  • θʌn - This is the main part of the word. The "th" sound is like the "thin" sound – a dental fricative (air passes between your teeth).
  • -der - This is a simple "-der" ending, pronounced as you might expect.

Here's a more detailed explanation of the sounds:

  1. "Th" sound: This is the key part. Don't say "d" or "t." It’s a sound made with your tongue lightly touching your teeth. Think of the "thin" or "this" sound.

  2. "Un" sound: Like in "under."

  3. "Der" sound: Just like the end of "better" or "dinner."

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "thunder" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: A website with pronunciations by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/thunder/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen carefully: Listen to native English speakers say "thunder." Pay attention to the "th" sound.
  • Practice: Say the word slowly and deliberately, focusing on each syllable.
  • Don’t overemphasize the "der": It's a quick, small sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice words with the "th" sound to help you?

Usage and examples with the word thunder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "thunder" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Literal Thunder (Sound):

  • Definition: The loud, deep noise caused by a lightning strike.
  • Usage: This is the most straightforward.
  • Examples:
    • “The thunder rolled across the valley.”
    • “We took shelter when the thunder started.”
    • "I love the sound of thunder – it’s so powerful."

2. Figurative Thunder (Metaphorical):

This is where "thunder" gets really interesting! It’s used to describe something powerful, dramatic, or impressive.

  • a) Expressing Great Anger or Fury: (This is the most common figurative use)

    • Definition: A sudden outburst of anger or forceful criticism. It’s often used to describe a voice - a voice that is loud, commanding, and intimidating.
    • Examples:
      • "He let loose a thunderous rebuke when I told him I was late." (He angrily scolded me.)
      • "Her voice was like thunder, demanding silence." (Her voice was loud and forceful.)
      • "The CEO delivered a thunderous speech about the company's future." (The speech was powerful and forceful, likely critical.)

  • b) Describing a Powerful Event or Moment: (More broadly powerful)

    • Definition: Something that is incredibly impressive, dramatic, or impactful. It's not necessarily about anger.
    • Examples:
      • “The crowd erupted in a thunderous applause.” (The applause was loud and enthusiastic.)
      • “The victory was a thunderous triumph for the team.” (The victory was a huge and impressive success.)
      • “A thunderous wave of emotion washed over her.” (A very strong feeling overwhelmed her.)

  • c) Referring to a Great Storm (More poetic):

    • Definition: A massive and dramatic storm, often implying a feeling of awe and perhaps a little fear.
    • Examples:
      • "The sky was filled with a thunderous display of lightning." (A dramatic storm.)
      • “The weather turned thunderous, and we found ourselves caught in a downpour.” (A severe storm.)

3. Thunder (As a Verb):

  • Definition: To make a loud, crashing sound like thunder. (Less common in modern usage)
  • Examples:
    • "The roof thundered with the impact of the storm." (The roof made a loud crashing sound.)
    • “The bass drum thundered through the auditorium.” (The drum produced a powerful, booming sound).

Tips for Using "Thunder" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "thunder" is heavily dependent on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation.
  • Strong Adjectives: When using "thunder" figuratively, consider adding adjectives to amplify the impact: “thunderous anger,” “thunderous applause,” “thunderous excitement.”
  • Consider Alternatives: Sometimes, words like “powerful,” “dramatic,” “forceful,” “loud,” or “booming” might be clearer alternatives, depending on what you’re trying to convey.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write? (e.g., a description of a storm, a story about someone’s anger, etc.)

Synonyms for the word thunder

Idioms of the word thunder

somebody’s face is like thunder | somebody has a face like thunder
somebody looks very angry
  • Mr Hibbs came in with a face like thunder.
steal somebody’s thunder
to get the attention, success, etc. that somebody else was expecting, usually by saying or doing what they had intended to say or do

    Practice with vocabulary thunder

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The approaching storm brought with it flashes of lightning and a deep, resonant ______ that shook the windows.
    2. The sudden ______ of the bass drum startled the audience during the quiet part of the symphony.
    3. Meteorologists issued a warning for heavy rainfall and strong ______, advising residents to secure outdoor furniture.
    4. As the dark clouds gathered overhead, we could hear the distant ______ indicating the storm was getting closer.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which of the following words can describe the loud, rumbling sound often heard during a thunderstorm? a) Whisper b) Boom c) Silence d) Thunder e) Murmur

    2. The CEO's powerful declaration on company policy was met with a ______ of approval from the board members. a) Murmur b) Roar c) Rustle d) Thunder e) Drone

    3. Which natural phenomenon is primarily characterized by a brief, intense flash of light in the sky, often preceding a loud sound? a) Fog b) Drizzle c) Thunder d) Lightning e) Hail

    4. The construction site produced a constant ______ of heavy machinery, making conversation difficult nearby. a) Hum b) Quiet c) Rattle d) Clatter e) Whisper

    5. The storm began to intensify, and we could hear the sky itself seem to ______ with power. a) Thunder b) Glimmer c) Mumble d) Sparkle e) Rumble

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The very loud sound of the general's voice filled the meeting hall, making everyone pay attention.
      • Rewrite, using a form of "thunder":
    2. We heard a loud, sudden noise from the explosion at the quarry.
      • Rewrite, without using "thunder":
    3. The loud rumbling sound from the ongoing storm was audible even inside the house.
      • Rewrite, using "thunder":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The approaching storm brought with it flashes of lightning and a deep, resonant thunder that shook the windows.
    2. The sudden boom of the bass drum startled the audience during the quiet part of the symphony.
    3. Meteorologists issued a warning for heavy rainfall and strong wind, advising residents to secure outdoor furniture.
    4. As the dark clouds gathered overhead, we could hear the distant thunder indicating the storm was getting closer.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Boom, d) Thunder
    2. b) Roar, d) Thunder
    3. d) Lightning
    4. a) Hum, c) Rattle, d) Clatter
    5. a) Thunder, e) Rumble

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The general's voice thundered through the meeting hall, making everyone pay attention. (or: The general's powerful voice, like thunder, filled the meeting hall, making everyone pay attention.)
    2. We heard a loud boom from the explosion at the quarry. (or: We heard a loud blast from the explosion at the quarry.)
    3. The thunder of the ongoing storm was audible even inside the house. (or: We could hear the thunder of the ongoing storm even inside the house.)

    Comment ()