B2noun1K

Volume

UK /["/ˈvɒljuːm/"]/US /["/ˈvɑːljəm/"]/

Definition

the amount of space that an object or a substance fills; the amount of space that a container has

In simple words: The amount of space a substance or object occupies, or how loud something is.

Examples

  • The volume of this box is quite large, making it perfect for storage.
  • I need to increase the volume on the television to hear it better.
  • The volume of water in the reservoir has decreased significantly due to the drought.
  • She turned down the volume because it was too loud for her ears.
  • The volume of air in the balloon increased as I blew into it.
  • We measured the volume of the liquid using a graduated cylinder.
  • The volume of this music track is perfect for a party atmosphere.
  • He read an entire volume of Shakespeare's works during the summer break.

Usage notes

Use 'volume' for both physical space and sound levels. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts, from casual conversations to formal discussions. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'volume of work.'

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a big 'voluminous' balloon filled with air — it takes up a lot of space.

Collocations

  • total
  • interior
  • internal
  • calculate
  • measure
  • by volume
  • in volume
  • sheer
  • considerable
  • enormous
  • increase
  • decrease
  • reduce
  • double
  • grow
  • increase
  • high
  • loud
  • full
  • increase
  • turn up
  • decrease
  • control
  • dial
  • knob
  • at… volume
  • volume on
  • bound
  • leather-bound
  • companion
  • series
  • edit
  • illustrate
  • publish
  • in a/​the volume
  • volume of
  • volume on
  • run to five, several, etc. volumes
  • bound
  • leather-bound
  • companion
  • series
  • edit
  • illustrate
  • publish
  • in a/​the volume
  • volume of
  • volume on
  • run to five, several, etc. volumes

Synonyms

  • capacity
  • loudness
  • size

Antonyms

  • silence
  • quiet
  • smallness

Common mistakes

  • Confusing volume with 'amount' when discussing quantity in general.
  • Using it incorrectly as a verb instead of the noun form.
  • Saying 'high volume' when referring to low sound levels.