The bell is one of humanity's oldest and most enduring inventions. Initially created for religious or ritual purposes, bells evolved into everyday objects used in both practical and ceremonial contexts. The bell's shape, usually a hollow, bell-like form, allows for the production of a distinctive ringing sound, making it useful as a signaling device. Over the centuries, bells have been used in churches, schools, homes, and public spaces, marking everything from the time of day to important events like weddings and funerals. Today, bells are not only practical tools but are also treasured for their aesthetic qualities, often featured in public towers and as musical instruments in orchestras.
Word 'bell' in Other Languages
- bell in Assamese অসমীয়া
- bell in Bengali বাংলা
- bell in Bodo बड़ो
- bell in Dogri डोगरी
- bell in English
- bell in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- bell in Hindi हिन्दी
- bell in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- bell in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- bell in Konkani कोंकणी
- bell in Maithili মৈথিলী
- bell in Malayalam മലയാളം
- bell in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- bell in Marathi मराठी
- bell in Nepali नेपाली
- bell in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- bell in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- bell in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- bell in Santali
- bell in Sindhi سنڌي
- bell in Tamil தமிழ்
- bell in Telugu తెలుగు
- bell in Urdu اُردُو
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Bell
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/bɛl/
Definitions
- A hollow metal object that makes a ringing sound when struck, typically used to signal or attract attention.
- A sound produced by such an object.
- A device or object shaped like a bell, used for signaling or indicating a particular event (e.g., a doorbell, school bell).
- Verb: To make a sound like a bell (e.g., "The church bells bell at noon.").
Usage Examples
- "The bell rang, signaling the end of the workday."
- "She heard the bell echo across the town square."
Etymology
From Old English "bellan," meaning "to bellow," "to shout," which was influenced by the sound that bells made. The word "bell" itself has Germanic origins, appearing in various forms across languages, such as Old High German "bolla," meaning "ball," due to the round shape of the object.
Synonyms
- Chime
- Ringer
- Toll
- Alarm
Antonyms
- Silence
- Quiet
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Campana | /kamˈpa.na/ |
| French | Cloche | /klɔʃ/ |
| German | Glocke | /ˈɡlɔkə/ |
| Hindi | घंटी (Ghanti) | /ˈɡʰən̪t̪iː/ |
| Tamil | மணி (MaNi) | /ˈmaɳi/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /bɛl/
- American English: /bɛl/
Historical Usage
Bells have been in use since antiquity for religious ceremonies, as well as signaling events or marking time. Ancient civilizations such as the Chinese and Greeks are known to have used bells for both practical and ceremonial purposes. The use of bells in Christian churches, especially for signaling prayers and marking the time of day, became widespread in the Middle Ages.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, bells carry symbolic meanings. In some traditions, bells are used to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck. For example, in Japan, temple bells are rung during New Year’s Eve to expel the old year and usher in the new one. In Western cultures, bells are a common feature of weddings and are used to celebrate joyous occasions or announce significant events.