sonic English · revision 15102

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1923}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈsɒn.ɪk/, US /ˈsɑː.nɪk/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[la|sonus|t=sound]] (see [[sound]]) and [[-ic]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998) perhaps on the pattern of [[phonic]].^(Barnhart 1988) The Latin word is from [[ine-pro|*swen-|t=to sound]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Done by means of sound waves: 1923, in American English.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It was used of sound in general, especially within the audible range, from 1936,^(OED 1989) and sonically is from the same year.^(OED 1989) The ''sonic boom'', the shock wave of an aircraft going faster than sound, is from 1952,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) and ''sonic bang'' and ''sonic barrier'' from 1953.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1923 – using sound waves.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1936 – of sound in general.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1952 – sonic boom.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1953 – sonic barrier.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Of, involving or producing sound.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Having a speed about equal to that of sound in air.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(informal)'' Extremely exciting and fast-paced.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[sonically]]

+ * [[quadrasonic]]

+ * [[sonicate]]

+ * [[sonics]]

+ * [[hypersonic]]

+ * [[infrasonic]]

+ * [[subsonic]]

+ * [[supersonic]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[sound]]

+ * [[sonar]]

+ * [[ultrasonic]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}