noun Uncommon

bel

behl

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Bel (noun) means a unit for measuring the ratio between two power levels, calculated as the base-10 logarithm of one divided by the other. Example: “Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole bels, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.”

noun

A unit for measuring the ratio between two power levels, calculated as the base-10 logarithm of one divided by the other.

"Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole bels, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness."

How to use bel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA unit used to compare how much stronger one signal or sound is than another, on a logarithmic scale.

Common mistake

In everyday use you will almost always see "decibel" (one tenth of a bel), not "bel" on its own.

Easily confused with

bell → belle →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bels

Test yourself on “bel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole _____, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.

Etymology

Named after Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor associated with the telephone.

Synonyms

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Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bel” mean?

The word “bel” means a unit for measuring the ratio between two power levels, calculated as the base-10 logarithm of one divided by the other. In plain terms, a unit used to compare how much stronger one signal or sound is than another, on a logarithmic scale.

How do you pronounce “bel”?

“Bel” is pronounced behl (/bɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “bel” in a sentence?

Here is “bel” used in a sentence: “Sound engineers usually work in decibels rather than whole bels, since a bel is a fairly large jump in loudness.”

What part of speech is “bel”?

“Bel” is a noun.

Is “bel” a common word?

“Bel” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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