sonorous
"Sonorous" describes a sound that is deep, full, and rich. Think of the booming, resonant vibration of a large church bell, the low rumble of thunder, or a voice that possesses a powerful, commanding quality that seems to fill the entire room. It is a sophisticated, descriptive term usually reserved for sounds that are pleasant or impressive due to their depth. You wouldn't use it for a sharp or high-pitched sound; rather, it is ideal for describing musical instruments like cellos, or the oratorical style of someone speaking with great gravitas.
In conversation
Discussing a performance
Did you hear the lead actor's voice tonight?
Did you hear the lead actor's voice tonight?
Yes, it was incredibly sonorous. It echoed through the entire theater.
Yes, it was incredibly sonorous. It echoed through the entire theater.
Used here to describe a voice with impressive depth and resonance.
Listening to music
I love this cello concerto.
I love this cello concerto.
It’s the sonorous quality of the low notes that gets me every time.
It’s the sonorous quality of the low notes that gets me every time.
Used to highlight the rich, vibrating quality of a musical instrument.
Examples
The sonorous chime of the grandfather clock filled the hallway.
The sonorous chime of the grandfather clock filled the hallway.
He delivered his speech in a sonorous, measured tone that commanded everyone's attention.
He delivered his speech in a sonorous, measured tone that commanded everyone's attention.
The cave amplified the sonorous echoes of the rushing underground river.
The cave amplified the sonorous echoes of the rushing underground river.
