sigh

B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary

v. to make a sound like a person breathing out, like wind in the trees.

v. to produce a sound reminiscent of a human sigh, typically used of wind or moving air.

“The wind sighed through the tall pine trees behind the house.”

“A gentle breeze sighed through the open casement, carrying the scent of damp earth and jasmine into the quiet library.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the sound you make when you breathe out deeply because of a strong feeling.

n. a single deep, audible respiration expressive of sorrow, weariness, or relief.

日本語:ため息※

“With a heavy sigh, he sat down and started his homework.”

“The negotiator let out a long sigh of frustration when the talks reached another unexpected stalemate after hours of progress.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

interj. a word used in text messages or emails to show you are tired or annoyed.

interj. a written representation of the act of sighing, used to convey a pragmatic mood of resignation or mild annoyance in digital discourse.

“Sigh, I have to work late again tonight.”

“Sigh, I just realised I left my umbrella on the train and it is starting to pour.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Slang · Dialect

n. a person who is very bored or boring.

n. a person characterised by boredom or lack of interest. Derived from rhyming slang 'sigh and groan'.

“Don't be such a sigh; come out to the party with us.”

“He was known as a bit of a sigh among his colleagues, rarely contributing anything of substance to the office social events.”