sigh
This word captures a specific physiological response where breath is used as a non-verbal emotional release. It typically carries a heavy, weighted quality, suggesting a momentary surrender to an emotion that is too complex or overwhelming for words. While often associated with sadness or exhaustion, it is equally common in contexts of profound relief or longing. As a noun, the word refers to the audible act itself. It is a standard countable noun, meaning it follows regular pluralization patterns and does not require special partitive counters.
Meanings
To emit a long, deep, audible breath expressing sadness, relief, tiredness, or frustration.
"She sighed with relief when she heard the news."
To express a particular emotion or state of mind by making a long, deep, audible breath.
"He sighed his disappointment as he looked at the test results."
A long, deep, audible breath expressing a particular emotion.
"A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she closed the book."