What does "decibel" mean?
A common measure of intensity ratio (e.g. for sound) that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log₁₀(P₁ / P₂), where P₁ and P₂ are the relative intensities.
Decibel
/ˈdɛsɪbɛl/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A common measure of intensity ratio (e.g. for sound) that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log₁₀(P₁ / P₂), where P₁ and P₂ are the relative intensities.
- Grammar: decibel is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: attenuation unit, bel, db, decibels.
- Useful contrasts: linear pressure unit, linear scale, linear unit.
- Usage evidence: The decibel scale is logarithmic.
How to use "decibel"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "decibel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "decibel" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "decibel" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "decibel" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "decibel" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "attenuation unit" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A common measure of intensity ratio (e.g. for sound) that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log₁₀(P₁ / P₂), where P₁ and P₂ are the relative intensities.
- 2 a logarithmic unit of sound intensity; 10 times the logarithm of the ratio of the sound intensity to some reference intensity wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
linear pressure unitlinear scalelinear unitnonlogarithmic unit
Example
"The decibel scale is logarithmic."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "decibel"?
Common synonyms include: attenuation unit, bel, db, decibels, gain unit, logarithmic unit.
How do you use "decibel" in a sentence?
The decibel scale is logarithmic.
How do you pronounce "decibel"?
Pronounced /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/.
Etymology
From deci- + bel.