Roundly vs. Soundly — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Roundly" typically refers to thorough or emphatic action or criticism, while "soundly" often means thoroughly in terms of depth or completeness, especially in the context of sleep or defeat.
Difference Between Roundly and Soundly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Roundly" is often used to describe a manner of expressing criticism or applause that is vigorous and unsparing, whereas "soundly" implies thoroughness and completeness, commonly in reference to a solid sleep or a comprehensive defeat.
In rhetoric, a speaker may be roundly criticized, suggesting a strong, often negative reaction from an audience, while someone defeated soundly in a debate has lost comprehensively and indisputably.
Actors in a play might be roundly applauded, indicating enthusiastic and general approval, on the other hand, soundly sleeping implies someone is sleeping deeply and undisturbed.
Journalistic opinions can be roundly rejected, meaning widely and strongly dismissed, whereas plans can be soundly based, suggesting they are well-founded and robust.
When actions are described as roundly condemned, the condemnation is typically extensive and emphatic; meanwhile, judgments made soundly are considered to be made wisely and with careful thought.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Describes emphatic criticism or approval
Describes thoroughness or completeness
Context Examples
Criticism, applause, condemnation
Sleep, defeat, judgments, foundations
Connotation
Often negative or intense approval
Generally positive or neutral
Intensity
High intensity of action or emotion
Depth of state or action
Outcome
Widely accepted or rejected
Well-established or thoroughly executed
Compare with Definitions
Roundly
Often involves actions that are decisive and clear-cut.
Her ideas were roundly dismissed.
Soundly
Involves profound or extensive degree of something.
She was soundly beaten in the final match.
Roundly
Refers to broad or unanimous consensus.
The play was roundly applauded by the audience.
Soundly
Pertains to actions done thoroughly or firmly.
He slept soundly through the night.
Roundly
Used to express complete or emphatic action.
The proposal was roundly rejected.
Soundly
Indicates depth and completeness in approach.
The team was soundly defeated.
Roundly
Pertains to a manner that is unreserved and sweeping.
He was roundly criticized for his actions.
Soundly
Often used to describe well-founded and solid bases.
His argument was soundly based.
Roundly
Can indicate an exhaustive or complete manner in social reactions.
The policy was roundly condemned.
Soundly
Can mean sensible and wise actions.
They soundly decided to postpone the meeting.
Roundly
In the form of a circle or sphere.
Soundly
Free from defect, decay, or damage; in good condition
Is the bridge sound?.
Roundly
With full force or vigor; thoroughly
Applauded roundly.
Was roundly criticized.
Soundly
Free from disease or injury.
Roundly
Circularly.
Soundly
Marked by or showing common sense and good judgment; levelheaded
A sound approach to the problem.
Roundly
Utterly or thoroughly.
Soundly
Based on valid reasoning; having no logical flaws
A sound conclusion.
Sound reasoning.
Roundly
Boldly; openly.
Soundly
(Logic) Of or relating to an argument in which all the premises are true and the conclusion follows from the premises.
Roundly
Briskly.
Soundly
Secure or stable
A partnership that started on a sound footing.
Roundly
Generally.
Soundly
Financially secure or safe
A sound economy.
Roundly
In a round form or manner.
Soundly
Thorough; complete
Gave their rivals a sound thrashing.
Roundly
Openly; boldly; peremptorily; plumply.
He affirms everything roundly.
Soundly
Deep and unbroken; undisturbed
A sound sleep.
Roundly
Briskly; with speed.
Two of the outlaws walked roundly forward.
Soundly
Compatible with an accepted point of view; orthodox
Sound doctrine.
Roundly
Completely; vigorously; in earnest.
Soundly
Thoroughly; deeply
Sound asleep.
Roundly
Without regard to detail; in gross; comprehensively; generally; as, to give numbers roundly.
In speaking roundly of this period.
Soundly
In a thorough manner; in manner free of defect or deficiency.
He was soundly thrashed by the semi-professional boxer.
Roundly
In a round manner;
She was roundly slim
Soundly
In a sound manner.
Roundly
In a blunt direct manner;
He spoke bluntly
He stated his opinion flat-out
He was criticized roundly
Soundly
Deeply or completely;
Slept soundly through the storm
Is sound asleep
Soundly
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to sleep soundly?
To sleep deeply and without disturbance.
What is the difference between being roundly defeated and soundly defeated?
Being roundly defeated emphasizes the unanimous aspect of the defeat, whereas soundly defeated highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the defeat.
Can a structure be described as soundly built?
Yes, it means it is built in a strong and reliable manner.
How can a decision be soundly made?
A decision made with thorough understanding and good judgment.
What does it mean to be roundly criticized?
To be criticized by many people, often in a very thorough and severe manner.
Is it common to use "soundly" in sports?
Yes, it is common to describe a team as soundly winning or losing, indicating the extent and decisiveness of the outcome.
Can one be roundly applauded for negative actions?
Typically, roundly applauding denotes strong approval, not associated with negative actions.
Is "roundly" ever used in a positive context?
Yes, for example, a performance can be roundly applauded.
Can "soundly" refer to mental states besides sleep?
Yes, it can refer to well-grounded mental conclusions or judgments.
How does the intensity of criticism compare in "roundly" vs. "soundly"?
"Roundly" criticism tends to be more emphatic and extensive, while "soundly" often implies a rational, well-founded criticism.
What does it mean for a law to be roundly ignored?
It means the law is widely and conspicuously not followed.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
