Discussion » Questions » Language » What are some words (in any language) that describe or mimic sounds, yet are NOT examples of an onomatopoeia?

What are some words (in any language) that describe or mimic sounds, yet are NOT examples of an onomatopoeia?


Onomatopoeia
on·o·mat·o·poe·ia

/ˌänəˌmadəˈpēə,ˌänəˌmädəˈpēə/
noun
  1. the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g. achoobang, bashbuzz, crackcuckoo, hahaha, knockrat-a-tat-tat, sizzle, snap, whoosh).
    • the use of onomatopoeia for rhetorical effect.
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Posted - July 23, 2019

Responses


  • I guess an example would be the word "lowing" referring to the sound made by cows. It sounds like it could be a mimic of the sound, but it's not. It's ultimately derived from the same root as the word "call" and does not seem to have any connection to the actual sound. 
      July 24, 2019 10:56 AM MDT
    1