sibilate Definition
to produce a hissing sound like 's' or 'sh'.
Using sibilate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sibilate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The snake sibilated as it slithered away.
Example
She sibilated her disapproval through clenched teeth.
Example
The audience sibilated in disapproval during the performance.
sibilate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sibilate
sibilant consonants
a consonant that is pronounced with a hissing sound, such as 's', 'sh', 'z', and 'zh'
Example
The English language has many sibilant consonants.
speech that is characterized by a hissing sound, often due to a speech impediment or accent
Example
Her sibilant speech made it difficult for others to understand her.
a whisper that is pronounced with a hissing sound, often used to convey secrecy or urgency
Example
She leaned in close and sibilantly whispered the secret to me.
Origins of sibilate
from Latin 'sibilare', meaning 'to hiss'
Summary: sibilate in Brief
'Sibilate' [ˈsɪbɪleɪt] means to produce a hissing sound like 's' or 'sh'. It is often used to describe the sound of snakes or people expressing disapproval. The term extends into phrases like 'sibilant consonants,' referring to sounds like 's' and 'sh', and 'sibilant speech,' describing speech that is characterized by a hissing sound.
