susurro
Lemma Details
Translation: whisper; murmur; rustle; soft sound
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'susurrus' meaning a humming, whispering, or murmuring sound. The Latin term is onomatopoeic, imitating the soft, hushing sound it describes. The English word 'susurration' (a whispering or rustling sound) shares the same Latin root, though it's much less common than the Spanish 'susurro'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of the 'sss' sound at the beginning of 'susurro' as the sound of whispering.
- The repeated 's' and 'r' sounds in the word mimic the soft, continuous nature of a whisper or rustle.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish literature and poetry, 'susurro' is often used to create atmosphere, especially in romantic contexts or to convey secrecy. It's also commonly used to describe natural sounds like leaves rustling or water flowing gently.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Susurro' means whisper or soft sound, while 'suspiro' means sigh or deep breath.
Notes: Both words refer to soft sounds but with different emotional contexts - 'susurro' is about communication, while 'suspiro' expresses emotion.
Mnemonic: 'Susurro' has two 'r's like the rolling sound of whispering, while 'suspiro' has a 'p' like the puff of air in a sigh.