supersonics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist
Quick answer
What does “supersonics” mean?
The study, technology, or phenomena related to speeds greater than the speed of sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study, technology, or phenomena related to speeds greater than the speed of sound.
Often used to refer to a professional basketball team, specifically the former Seattle SuperSonics (also 'Sonics'), or can mean 'supersonic things' more broadly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In physics contexts, identical. 'Supersonics' as a team name is exclusively American.
Connotations
UK: Technical/aeronautical. US: Primarily evokes basketball (Seattle SuperSonics) for general public; technical meaning also used.
Frequency
UK: Low frequency, confined to technical domains. US: Moderate frequency, common in sports news/history, low in technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “supersonics” in a Sentence
N/A (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supersonics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A (unless in aerospace industry or sports franchise discussions).
Academic
The course covers fundamental principles of supersonics.
Everyday
My dad still has his vintage Seattle Supersonics jersey.
Technical
Advances in supersonics have reduced sonic boom intensity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supersonics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supersonics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supersonics”
- Using 'supersonic' (adjective) when 'supersonics' (noun) is needed: *'He studies supersonic' (incorrect) vs. 'He studies supersonics' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as singular (a field of study) but looks plural. 'Supersonics is complex.'
Context is key. Listen for words like 'aerodynamics', 'Mach', 'boom' (physics) vs. 'NBA', 'championship', 'Seattle' (sports).
'Supersonic' is an adjective (a supersonic jet). 'Supersonics' is a noun referring to the field of study or a team name.
Only for the basketball team ('Seattle Sonics' is a common abbreviation). Not for the scientific field.
The study, technology, or phenomena related to speeds greater than the speed of sound.
Supersonics is usually specialist in register.
Supersonics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈsɒnɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˈsɑːnɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “break the sound barrier”
- “go supersonic”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPER + SONICS = SUPER-fast SOUND-ics.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS A BARRIER (breaking the sound barrier).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a primary meaning of 'Supersonics' in American general usage?