Do you know the definition of vibe? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word vibe, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
-
Kevin
-
July 9, 2021
-
Common Questions
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
What does the word vibe mean?
According to Collins English Dictionary and Daily Rap Facts, the word vibe refers to a distinctive emotional aura of a person, place or thing. Vibe is short for vibrations, and a person, place or thing can have good vibrations or bad vibrations, as well as have a “vibe” or many different sorts. A vibe can be also used about a place that has a good or bad atmosphere. Many things can give off a different vibe, like a nostalgic vibe, . The pronunciation of vibe is vaɪb. This word is used in both the UK in British English and American English.
The second definition of vibe can be to “vibe with” someone. When you say that you vibe with someone, this means that you feel you and another person have a mutual understanding and “get” each other. It will almost feel like the two of you are on the same wavelength. If you really vibe with the person you go on a date with, this means that you may want to see them again. However, if you do not give with this person, that means you probably will not ask them for a second date.
The word vibe can also be used in the slang term vibe check. If someone passes the vibe check, this means that they are cool, chill, and have good vibes. This is a person that you want to hang out with or get to know more. If a person does not pass the vibe check, this may mean that they are uptight or snobbish, or off-putting in one way or another. People usually use the term vibe check about people they have just met.
Many different languages also use different words that mean vibe. You may notice that some of these translations of vibe look similar to the word Vibe. These are called cognates, which are often formed when two words have the same root or language of origin.This list of translations of vibe comes via Word Sense, but you can also find translations via other online dictionaries. A bad translation can really throw off a vibe with a person!
- Russian: вибра́ция (fem.)
- German: Vibration (fem.), Schwingung (fem.)
- French: vibration (fem.)
- Romanian: vibrare (fem.)
- Catalan: vibració (fem.)
- Portuguese: vibração (fem.)
- Italian: vibrazione (fem.)
- Japanese: 振動 (しんどう, shindō)
- Greek: δόνηση (fem.), κραδασμός (masc.)
- Nynorsk: vibrasjon (masc.), vibrering (fem.)
- Korean: 진동 (振動, jindong)
- Finnish: värähteleminen
- Bokmål: vibrasjon (masc.), vibrering (masc.) (f)
- Arabic: اهتزاز (ihtizāz)
- Tagalog: kinig, panginginig
- Swedish: vibration (common)
- Vietnamese: rung động
- Thai: การสั่นสะเทือน (kaan-sàn-sà-tuan)
- Estonian: vibratsioon
- Mandarin: 振動, 振动 (zhèndòng), 振盪, 振荡 (zhèndàng)
- Spanish: vibración (fem.)
How can the word vibe be used in a sentence?
Using a word in a sentence is a great way to memorize its definition. The word vibe can be used in many different ways in the English language. Other ways to memorize words’ definitions include making flashcards and quizzes for yourself to test your knowledge. Try using this word of the day in the sentence today. You never know, it may become one of your new favorites. Below are several different examples of the word vibe to get you started.
I don’t know why, but I got a really bad vibes when I saw that music producer Chris kiss April at that party. Her hands were balled up into fists and she didn’t seem like she liked it in a traditional way. I have my eye on him.
The woman got a bad vibe when she read the tweet from her ex. She wasn’t sure if she was being paranoid, but she felt like the violent message was about her. He said stupid shit all the time, but this tweet referenced beating someone with a blunt object.
Even though we only met over the internet, I got a really good vibe from the graphic designer that is doing my website.
That girl I went on a date with definitely passed the vibe check. She was so cool, I hope I get to see her again.
What is the origin of the word vibe?
According to Etymonline, the word vibe was used in the 1940s as an abbreviation for the word vibraphone, and since 19067 as an abbreviation form of vibration. The slang term vibe has been around since the 1960s. Using the word vibe to talk about the distinctive emotional quality of a person, place or thing was popularized by hip-hop and rap music.
What are synonyms of the word vibe?
There are a plethora of different words that one can use in place of the word vibe. These are known as synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are very useful to know if you are trying to expand your vocabulary or if you are trying to avoid repeating yourself. Learning synonyms is a great way to improve your own vocabulary of English words. This list of synonyms of vibe is from Thesaurus.
- sense
- space
- property
- medium
- color
- climate
- surroundings
- place
- local color
- spirit
- background
- feel
- character
- mood
- ambience
- feeling
- air
- quality
- flavor
- impression
- semblance
- tone
- taste
- aura
- atmosphere
- scene
- environment
Overall, the word vibe means a feeling or ambience, usually about a stranger or someone you do not know well. If someone has good vibes, they’re probably cool to hang around with. If someone has a bad vibe, steer clear.
Sources:
