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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Lull: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：temporary pause (lull)

lull 🔊

/lʌl/

A short period of time when an activity, especially a noisy or busy one, stops or becomes less intense.

Lull meaning illustrated: contrast between heavy rain activity and a sudden calm pause.

temporary pause 🔊

➕

/ˈtem.pəˌrer.i pɔːz/

A short, temporary break or reduction in intensity during an ongoing activity, especially a noisy or busy one.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English *lullen*, likely imitative of soothing sounds, related to Dutch *lullen* (to talk sleepily), German *lullen* (to rock).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a baby falling asleep during a **lull** in the lullaby.

📖 Example

There was a brief lull in the conversation before someone brought up the exciting travel plans. 🔊 There was a brief temporary pause in the conversation before someone brought up the exciting travel plans.

🔗 Collocations

a lull in the storm – a period of relative calm during a storm

a lull in business – a temporary quiet or slow period in commercial activity

a welcome lull – a temporary break that is appreciated or needed

🔄 Synonyms

pause (n.) – a temporary stop or rest in action or speech

hiatus (n.) – a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process

respite (n.) – a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

🚫 Antonyms

frenzy (n.) – a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior

clamor (n.) – a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting

peak (n.) – the point of highest activity, intensity, or achievement

🌱 Derivatives

lull (v.) – to calm or send to sleep, typically with soothing sounds or movements

lullaby (n.) – a quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'lull' likely originated as an onomatopoeia, imitating the soft, soothing sounds used to calm babies or induce sleep. This is reflected in the related verb meaning 'to soothe or calm.' The term evolved naturally in English to describe the resulting state of quiet or temporary inactivity.

Meaning 2：soothing quiet (lull)

lull 🔊

/lʌl/

A temporary period of calm, quiet, or lack of activity that makes you feel relaxed or sleepy.

soothing quiet 🔊

➕

/ˈsuː.ðɪŋ ˈkwaɪ.ət/

A peaceful and quiet interval that induces relaxation or drowsiness.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The gentle hum of the air conditioner created a peaceful lull that finally helped the baby fall asleep. 🔊 The gentle hum of the air conditioner created a peaceful soothing quiet that finally helped the baby fall asleep.

🔗 Collocations

the lull of the sea – the soothing, calming sound or motion of ocean waves

an evening lull – the peaceful, quiet period in the evening

a deceptive lull – a calm period that may give a false sense of security before trouble resumes

🔄 Synonyms

calm (n.) – a period or state of peace and quiet

tranquility (n.) – the quality or state of being calm and peaceful

quiescence (n.) – a state of inactivity, dormancy, or quiet

🚫 Antonyms

agitation (n.) – a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

tumult (n.) – a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people

uproar (n.) – a situation in which people shout and make a lot of noise because they are angry or upset about something

🌱 Derivatives

lull (v.) – to cause to sleep or rest; to soothe