timbre (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/timˈbɾe/

Translation Options into English

• Bell
• Stamp
• Tone
• Timbre

Meaning and Usage

The word timbre is a versatile term in Spanish that can refer to several concepts depending on the context:

1. Bell: A physical bell used to produce a ringing sound.
2. Stamp: A marking or impression made on paper, like a postage stamp.
3. Tone: In music, it refers to the quality or color of a sound produced by a musical instrument or voice.
4. Timber: Refers to the character or quality of sound, especially in phonetics or musical contexts.

The frequency of use varies, but it is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts. In legal documents and technical writing, it often refers to stamps, especially in Colombia.

Example Sentences

1. "El timbre de la puerta sonó y nos avisó que alguien llegaba."

2. "The doorbell rang, and it alerted us that someone was arriving."

3. "El timbre de voz de la cantante es muy especial."

4. "The singer's tone is very special."

5. "Cuando envíes la carta, no olvides comprar un timbre."

6. "When you send the letter, don't forget to buy a stamp."

Idiomatic Expressions

While timbre is not often featured in idiomatic expressions, there are related usages in Spanish that convey important meanings:

1. "No hay timbre que no suene."

2. "There is no bell that does not ring." (Meaning: Every action has consequences.)

3. "Teners un buen timbre."

4. "To have a good tone." (Can refer to someone having a pleasant voice or personality.)

5. "Una carta con timbre."

6. "A letter with a stamp." (Referring to something that is official or formal.)

Etymology

The word timbre comes from the Latin term "tembrare," which means "to ring" or "to sound." Its evolution reflects different meanings over time, leading to its current uses in various domains.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Campana (bell) - Sello (stamp) - Sonido (sound) - Color (tone)

Antonyms: - Silencio (silence) - Inacción (inaction) - Apagado (off, as in sound)

In summary, timbre is a multifaceted term with practical applications in everyday language, legal terms, and musical contexts, demonstrating its versatility and relevance in the Spanish language.