What part of speech is “sound”
Noun
Definition:
as a noun, 'sound' primarily refers to vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
Examples:
The sound of the rain is soothing.
Turn up the sound; I can't hear the movie.
The ferry crosses the Puget Sound to get to the island.
Tips:
don't confuse the auditory 'sound' with the geographical 'sound' (like Long Island Sound).
Adjective
Definition:
as an adjective, 'sound' describes something that is in good condition, reliable, or valid. 'Sound' can describe reasoning, judgment, sleep, health, etc.
Examples:
Her logic is sound.
He's in sound health.
She slept a sound sleep.
Tips:
don't confuse the adjective form with other meanings of 'sound.' Context usually helps in distinguishing.
Verb
Definition:
as a verb, 'sound' means to convey a certain impression when heard or to make a noise. 'Sound' can also mean to measure the depth of water, typically using a line or pole.
Examples:
The alarm sounded at noon.
The phrase 'sounds good' is often used in agreement.
They sounded the depths of the lake.
Tips:
'sound out' is a phrasal verb that means to try to ascertain someone's opinions, ideas, or feelings by talking to them.
Adverb
Definition:
as an adverb, 'sound' is used to emphasize that someone is in a particular condition or situation to a thorough or extreme degree. It's often used in the phrase 'sound asleep,' meaning deeply asleep.
Examples:
The baby is sound asleep in her crib.
Tips:
the adverbial use of 'sound' is less common than its other forms, and it's primarily found in the phrase 'sound asleep.'