Language Research

volume · noun

/ˈvɒl.juːm/Full view

volume (SOUND)

B1 U the level of sound produced by a television, radio, etc.

Dictionary example:

Could you turn the volume up/down, please.

Learner example:

After we went to the disco and we danced together, but the volume of the music was too high to talk! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

volume (AMOUNT)

B2 U the number or amount of something, especially when it is large

Dictionary examples:

I was put off by the volume of work involved.

The volume of traffic in the city is causing problems.

Learner example:

Nowadays, marketing volume is rapidly increased in Internet business, according to one of [the] major newspaper[s]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

volume (BOOK)

C2 C a book, especially one of a set

Dictionary example:

a new dictionary in two volumes

Learner example:

This book which I adored as a child, and as a matter of fact, one which I often come back to, comprises seven volumes, each giving a vivid account of the adventures that the Pevensie siblings, Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter, encounter in the magical land of Narnia. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

speak volumes

C2 If something speaks volumes, it makes an opinion, characteristic or situation very clear without the use of words.

Dictionary example:

She said very little, but her face spoke volumes.

Learner example:

It remains to be seen whether the effect of stem cells when applied to humans would be the same, but the achievements speak volumes about the fact that stem cells may one day turn a new [page] in many people's lives and let them get rid of that humiliating label of a "disabled person." (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)