full-mouthed
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a full set of teeth: "full-mouthed" describes an animal, especially a horse, that has all its adult teeth.
- Loud and resonant: "full-mouthed" can refer to a sound, such as a bark or voice, that is deep, strong, and full in tone.
- Bold or vigorous in expression: "full-mouthed" can describe language or speech that is forceful, unrestrained, or grand in style.
Usage Examples
- Full set of teeth:
- The horse was a full-mouthed stallion, ready for work. (The horse had all its adult teeth, indicating maturity.)
- Loud sound:
- The dog gave a full-mouthed bark at the stranger. (The dog barked loudly and deeply.)
- Vigorous expression:
- He delivered a full-mouthed speech, full of passion and conviction. (His speech was bold and energetic.)
Advanced Usage
- "full-mouthed cry": a loud, resonant shout or call.
- The hunter let out a full-mouthed cry to signal the pack. (A strong, echoing yell.)
- "full-mouthed style": a literary or rhetorical style that is grand and emphatic.
- The poet’s full-mouthed verses celebrated the beauty of nature. (The verses were rich and forceful in expression.)
Variants and Related Words
- Full-mouthedness (noun): the quality of being loud, resonant, or bold.
- The full-mouthedness of the choir filled the cathedral. (The loudness and richness of their voices.)
- Mouth (noun): the opening in the face used for speaking, eating, and making sounds.
- Mouthed (adjective, in compounds): having a specific type of mouth or expression (e.g., , ).
Synonyms
- Loud: producing a lot of sound.
- Resonant: deep, clear, and continuing to sound.
- Bold: showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
- Vigorous: strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Related Idioms
- Full-mouthed as a lion: extremely loud or bold, like a lion’s roar.
- His voice was full-mouthed as a lion, commanding attention. (Very loud and powerful.)
Note on Usage
- "Full-mouthed" is most commonly used in specific contexts (animal description, sound quality, or rhetorical style) and may sound archaic or literary in everyday speech. It is not a frequent word in modern conversation.