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groan

verb

/groʊn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of groan

To emit a sound that is often involuntary and instinctual, conveying distress, exhaustion, or frustration.
"The students groan when the teacher announces a pop quiz."

Detailed meaning of groan

The verb "groan" refers to the vocalization of a deep, low, and guttural sound that is typically associated with expressing pain, discomfort, or unhappiness. It is a vocal expression accompanied by a strained or moaning quality, usually resulting from physical strain, emotional turmoil, or displeasure. Groaning can serve as a way to release tension, communicate one's dissatisfaction, or seek empathy from others. It can also be used metaphorically to describe inanimate objects or entities making similar creaking or grating noises, conveying a sense of strain, burden, or weariness. Overall, the verb "groan" captures the act of emitting a low, deep, and often audible sound in response to discomfort, distress, or hardship.

Example sentences containing groan

1. I groan inwardly every time I hear that terrible joke.
2. When the homework is too difficult, I usually groan and start over.
3. Sometimes when I lift heavy boxes, I can't help but groan.
4. If you groan every time you have to clean your room, maybe it's time for a new approach.
5. People often groan when they see the amount of taxes they owe.
6. You'll likely groan once you see the number of chores I've listed for today.

History and etymology of groan

The verb 'groan' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'gronen.' It can be traced back to the Old English word 'granian,' which meant 'to groan' or 'to lament.' The Old English term 'granian' is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a deep, guttural moan or sigh. The etymology of 'groan' reflects the instinctual and involuntary nature of the sound it describes, often emanating from individuals in moments of distress, exhaustion, or frustration. The word has retained this connection to vocalizing discomfort or unhappiness throughout its linguistic history, making it a fitting term to describe the expression of such emotions through audible, often melancholic, sounds.

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Further usage examples of groan

1. When she told us about her latest bad date, we couldn't help but groan in sympathy.
2. He tends to groan when his favorite sports team loses a game.
3. It's typical for audiences to groan during a particularly bad movie scene.
4. When you groan during yoga class, it means you're pushing yourself too hard.
5. Kids often groan at the mention of bedtime.
6. She'll probably groan when she hears about the new company policy.
7. Everyone seemed to groan at the pun-filled joke I made.
8. If I groan during my exercise, it's because I'm putting in a lot of effort.
9. Do not groan over your mistakes, instead, learn from them.
10. He'll likely groan at the thought of eating broccoli for dinner.
11. When you groan at my silly jokes, it just encourages me to tell more.
12. Most people groan at the thought of going to the dentist.
13. When you groan, it gives me a clue that something is not right.
14. If I groan during the presentation, it's not due to boredom, but due to my back pain.