Sigh

Sigh

A sigh is a kind of paralinguistic respiration in the form of a deep and especially audible, single exhalation of air out of the mouth or nose, that humans use to communicate emotion. It is voiced pharyngeal fricative, sometimes associated with a guttural glottal breath exuded in a low tone. It often arises from a negative emotion, such as dismay, dissatisfaction, boredom, or futility. A sigh can also arise from positive emotions such as relief, particularly in response to some negative situation ending or being avoided. Like a gasp, a yawn, or a moan, a sigh is often an automatic and unintentional act. In literature, a sigh is often used to signify that the person producing it is lovelorn.

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Famous quotes containing the word sigh:

    cover the pale blossoms of your breast
    With your dim heavy hair,
    And trouble with a sigh for all things longing for rest
    The odorous twilight there.
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

    And when you sigh from kiss to kiss
    I hear white Beauty sighing, too,
    For hours when all must fade like dew....
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

    I struck the board, and cried, ‘No more,
    I will abroad!
    What? shall I ever sigh and pine?
    My lines and life are free, free as the road,
    Loose as the wind, as large as store.
    Shall I be still in suit?
    George Herbert (1593–1633)