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DictionarysoundReliable judgment
adjective / adverb

sound

Free from damage or weakness.

The old bridge remains sound despite years of heavy traffic.

Etymology
soundOld Englishhealthy; whole

Old English gesund means healthy or whole. The adjective retains that freedom from damage or weakness for people, objects, and structures.

More examples

  • Her advice rests on sound reasoning.
  • Regular checkups confirm that her heart is sound.
  • The baby is sound asleep in her crib.

Forms

sound · sounder · soundest

soundness noun — The quality of being healthy, reliable, or secure.

soundly adverb — Deeply and without interruption during sleep.

Similar words

sturdy
Emphasizes physical strength and resistance to damage under strain.
healthy
Emphasizes bodily well-being rather than structural integrity or valid reasoning.
reliable
Emphasizes consistent dependability rather than freedom from defects or flaws.