Sonnaient (en. Sounded)

/sɔ.nɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Produce a sound, a call for help, or an alert using a bell, a drum, or another instrument.

The bells were ringing loudly to announce the mass.

Les cloches sonnaient à toute volée pour annoncer la messe.

Emit a characteristic sound or a repetitive noise.

The sirens were sounding during the bomb alert.

Les sirènes sonnaient pendant l'alerte à la bombe.

Express an idea or a feeling somewhere through a sound.

The drums were sounding in the street during the festival.

Les tambours sonnaient dans la rue lors du festival.

From the verb 'sonner' with the suffix '-aient' to form the imperfect.

sound the alarm

Warn of an imminent danger.

sonner le tocsin

sound off-key

Not to be in agreement with what is expected.

sonner faux

ring the bell

Indicate the end of a period or an event.

sonner la cloche

sound

Mechanical or acoustic vibration that is perceived by the ear.

son

ringing

Action or effect of ringing, often related to an alarm or a bell.

sonnerie

resonance

Propagation of a sound in a medium.

résonance

Make noise for no reason.

This party is noisy, you can’t concentrate.

Cette fête sonne, on ne peut pas se concentrer.

Alert someone unexpectedly.

The alarm was ringing and everyone ran out.

L'alarme sonnait et tout le monde est sorti en courant.