American Dictionary

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Definition voice in American English

voice noun

noun
/vɔɪs/

▪ clear, deep, firm, flat, gentle, gruff, harsh, high, hoarse, husky, loud, low, quiet, shaky, shrill, soft, strident

1

the sounds that someone makes when they speak

Example

A female voice answered the phone.

Example

We could hear voices in the next apartment.

Example

He tried to keep the irritation out of his voice.

Example

a man with a deep/soft/loud voice

Example

The woman at the desk greeted him in a bored voice.

Example

I knew from his tone of voice that he was extremely annoyed.

Example

Phillips called back later, and this time there was real irritation in his voice.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

someone's ability to speak

Example

I have a cold - I think I'm losing my voice.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

someone's ability to sing

Example

My father had a fine bass voice.

Example

You're in good voice tonight!

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1.3

one of the singers in a piece of classical music

Example

an arrangement for piano and four voices

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2

the right or opportunity to express your opinions and influence what happens

Example

The apartheid system left the majority of the population without a political voice.

Example

Parents should have a voice in any changes to the school curriculum.

Example

Her article gave voice to the anger felt by many local people.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

the opinion of a person or group

Example

The voice of ordinary party members was rarely listened to.

Example

Anti-capitalist groups used street protests as a way of making their voices heard.

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Example

The paper sees itself as the authentic voice of Middle America.

Example

The senator has long been a voice of reason on this issue.

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Example

Anna finally found her voice as a writer.

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5

in English, voice refers to the choice of either an active verb group or a passive verb group. In the active voice, the subject is the person or thing that does or is responsible for the action of the verb. In the passive voice, the subject is the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb. For example in the sentence 'The kids have learned the importance of a healthier diet', the verb group 'have learned' is active. In the sentence 'Lessons will be learned from this disaster', the verb group 'will be learned' is passive.

Synonyms and related words
Definition voice in American English