The ceiling plays an important role in architectural aesthetics and acoustics. Metaphorically, ceilings symbolize limits or boundaries in various fields, such as the economic ceiling or the glass ceiling in gender studies. Understanding its use in diverse languages highlights its universal importance in human experiences.
Word 'ceiling' in Other Languages
- ceiling in Assamese অসমীয়া
- ceiling in Bengali বাংলা
- ceiling in Bodo बड़ो
- ceiling in Dogri डोगरी
- ceiling in English
- ceiling in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- ceiling in Hindi हिन्दी
- ceiling in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- ceiling in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- ceiling in Konkani कोंकणी
- ceiling in Maithili মৈথিলী
- ceiling in Malayalam മലയാളം
- ceiling in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- ceiling in Marathi मराठी
- ceiling in Nepali नेपाली
- ceiling in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- ceiling in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- ceiling in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- ceiling in Santali
- ceiling in Sindhi سنڌي
- ceiling in Tamil தமிழ்
- ceiling in Telugu తెలుగు
- ceiling in Urdu اُردُو
Ceiling
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈsiː.lɪŋ/
Definitions
- The upper interior surface of a room.
- An upper limit, such as on prices, wages, or achievements.
- The maximum altitude an aircraft can reach under specific conditions.
Usage Examples
- The ceiling of the room was painted blue.
- There’s a ceiling on how much you can earn in this role.
- The airplane’s service ceiling is 40,000 feet.
Etymology
Derived from Middle English ceil (to cover or panel), influenced by Old French ciel (sky).
Synonyms
- Roof
- Limit
- Upper bound
Antonyms
- Floor
- Base
- Foundation
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Techo | /'te.ʧo/ |
| French | Plafond | /pla.fɔ̃/ |
| Hindi | छत | /ʧʰət̪/ |
| Tamil | செயில் | /seiːl/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
British English: /ˈsiː.lɪŋ/, American English: /ˈsiː.lɪŋ/
Historical Usage
The word "ceiling" has evolved from its use to describe physical coverings in architecture to metaphorical meanings such as limits in economics and aviation.
Cultural Nuances
The term "glass ceiling" is widely used to describe invisible barriers preventing certain groups from advancing professionally.