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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Groan: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：utter a low sound of annoyance (groan)

groan 🔊

/ɡroʊn/

vi.

To make a low, long sound from the throat when you are annoyed or don't want to do something.

Groaning teenager at desk showing frustration and reluctance with body language.

utter a low sound of annoyance 🔊

➕

/ˈʌtər ə loʊ saʊnd əv əˈnɔɪəns/

vi.

To produce a deep, prolonged vocal sound expressing reluctance, dissatisfaction, or annoyance.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'grānian', meaning to lament or moan.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'groan' as the sound when a 'grown' adult faces a boring task – it's a burden!

📖 Example

My little brother groaned loudly when mom told him to turn off the video game and do his homework. 🔊 My younger sibling let out a loud groan when instructed to stop playing and start studying.

🔗 Collocations

groan loudly – to groan with high volume

groan in protest – to groan as a form of objection

let out a groan – to emit a groan sound

🔄 Synonyms

moan (vi.) – to make a low sound of pain or complaint

sigh (vi.) – to emit a long, deep breath expressing tiredness or relief

complain (vi.) – to express dissatisfaction or annoyance verbally

🚫 Antonyms

cheer (vi.) – to shout with joy or approval

laugh (vi.) – to make a sound of amusement

🌱 Derivatives

groaning (n.) – the act or sound of groaning

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'groan' derives from Old English 'grānian', related to Old High German 'grīnan' (to snarl). It evolved to describe vocal or object sounds expressing discomfort, annoyance, or strain.

Meaning 2：emit a creaking sound under pressure (groan)

groan 🔊

/ɡroʊn/

vi.

When an old object, like wood or metal, makes a long, low sound because of pressure or movement.

Old wooden chair groaning under pressure, close-up of bending leg.

emit a creaking sound under pressure 🔊

➕

/ɪˈmɪt ə ˈkriːkɪŋ saʊnd ˈʌndər ˈprɛʃər/

vi.

To produce a low, grating noise when an object is subjected to stress, weight, or movement.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The old wooden floorboards groaned under the weight of the moving furniture. 🔊 The aged floorboards produced groaning noises as the furniture was being moved across them.

🔗 Collocations

groan under the weight – to make a groaning sound due to heavy load

wood groans – wood emits a groaning noise

metal groans – metal makes a groaning sound

🔄 Synonyms

creak (vi.) – to make a harsh grating sound

squeak (vi.) – to make a short, high-pitched sound

strain (vi.) – to be subjected to stress, often producing sound

🚫 Antonyms

remain silent (phrase) – to make no sound

🌱 Derivatives

groaning (n.) – the sound made by objects under strain

Meaning 3：make a sound of sudden pain (groan)

groan 🔊

/ɡroʊn/

vi.

To make a short, deep sound because of sudden physical pain.

Person groaning in sudden pain, holding stomach with pained expression.

make a sound of sudden pain 🔊

➕

/meɪk ə saʊnd əv ˈsʌdən peɪn/

vi.

To vocalize a brief, deep sound as an immediate reaction to physical discomfort or injury.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She groaned in pain as she tried to stand up on her sprained ankle. 🔊 She groaned due to pain when attempting to rise with an injured ankle.

🔗 Collocations

groan in pain – to groan as a response to physical hurt

groan suddenly – to groan abruptly

painful groan – a groan expressing pain

🔄 Synonyms

moan (vi.) – to make a low sound of suffering

yelp (vi.) – to utter a sharp cry of pain

whimper (vi.) – to make a low, feeble sound of distress

🚫 Antonyms

smile (vi.) – to show pleasure or amusement with facial expression

🌱 Derivatives

groaning (n.) – the act of groaning in pain