cacophonous

/kæ'kɔfənəs/

Thân thiện

The cacophonous noise of the city traffic filled the air.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a harsh, discordant, and unpleasant sound: Describes sounds that are jarring, grating, or chaotic to the ear, often due to a mixture of loud, clashing noises.

Usage

The adjective "cacophonous" is used to describe a sound, noise, or mixture of sounds that is unpleasant and discordant. It is a formal term often used in literary, descriptive, or critical contexts.

Examples

• The cacophonous roar of the city traffic made conversation impossible.
• The orchestra's warm-up session was a cacophonous blend of unrelated notes.
• We were awakened by the cacophonous cries of crows outside our window.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe non-auditory things that are metaphorically jarring or discordant.
  • The debate devolved into a cacophonous exchange of insults.
• "As cacophonous as...": A common comparative structure for vivid description.
  • The classroom was as cacophonous as a zoo at feeding time.

Variants and Related Words

• Cacophony (n.): A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. This is the noun form.
  • The cacophony in the cafeteria was overwhelming.
• Cacophonously (adv.): In a cacophonous manner.
  • The instruments clashed cacophonously.

Synonyms

• Discordant: Lacking harmony or agreement in sound.
• Dissonant: Harsh and inharmonious in sound.
• Strident: Loud and harsh.
• Grating: Irritating and scraping to the senses.

Antonyms

• Euphonious: Pleasing to the ear.
• Harmonious: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
• Melodious: Having a pleasant melody.
• Dulcet: Sweet and soothing (usually of sound).

Idioms and Phrases

• A cacophony of voices/sounds: A common phrase emphasizing a chaotic mix.
  • A cacophony of voices erupted after the controversial announcement.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having an unpleasant sound
   • as cacophonous as a henyard- John McCarten

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cacophonic