The phrase "like thunder" is pronounced as /laɪk ˈθʌndər/. The first syllable "like" is pronounced the same as the word "bike" with the long "i" sound /aɪ/. The second syllable "thunder" has the short "u" sound /ʌ/, followed by the letter "n" which is often silent in this word. The final syllable "-er" is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/. The phrase "like thunder" is often used to describe a loud and powerful sound, such as the sound of thunder during a storm.
"Like thunder" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of a loud and resounding noise, similar to the sound produced by thunder during a thunderstorm. This phrase is frequently used to describe the intensity, suddenness, or impact of a sound, event, or action.
The phrase "like thunder" emphasizes the volume and power associated with thunder, which is a result of the rapid expansion of air caused by lightning. By comparing a noise or occurrence to thunder, it implies that the sound is extremely loud, strikingly impressive, and attention-grabbing. It often suggests an element of surprise, as thunder can startle and jolt those who hear it unexpectedly.
Furthermore, "like thunder" can also signify rapidity and forcefulness, as thunder has the ability to reverberate across vast distances and impose its presence. Thus, when used metaphorically, this phrase underscores the dynamism, vigor, and potency of an event or action.
Overall, the phrase "like thunder" encapsulates the idea of a loud, commanding, and impactful noise or event. It conveys the sense of suddenness, power, and resonance comparable to the forceful nature of thunder, allowing for vivid descriptions or comparisons to intense and attention-grabbing phenomena.
The phrase "like thunder" does not have a specific etymology of its own. However, it is composed of two words that do have individual etymologies:
1. "Like" comes from the Old English word "gelīc", meaning "similar" or "alike". It has its roots in the Germanic language family.
2. "Thunder" comes from the Old English word "þunor", which is directly related to the Old High German word "donar" and the Old Norse word "þórr". These all refer to the Norse god of thunder, Thor. The word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thunraz", meaning "thunder".
When combined, the phrase "like thunder" simply means resembling the sound or effect of thunder and does not have a distinct etymology separate from its constituent words.