Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a rough, harsh, or grating sound, especially of the human voice: Describes a voice that sounds rough and strained, often due to overuse, illness, or strong emotion. It implies a loss of smoothness and clarity in vocal tone.

Usage

• The primary use is to describe a person's voice. It is typically used predicatively (after a linking verb like , , ) or attributively (before a noun like , , ).
• It describes the of a sound, not the action of producing it.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • After cheering at the concert all night, her voice was hoarse.
  • He could only manage a hoarse whisper because of his sore throat.
  • The coach gave a hoarse shout to the players across the field.

Advanced Usage

• "to shout/ scream/ talk oneself hoarse": To use one's voice so much that it becomes hoarse.
  • The fans shouted themselves hoarse supporting their team.
• Used figuratively to describe non-vocal sounds that are harsh and rough.
  • The hoarse cry of the crow echoed in the forest. (This usage is less common and more literary.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hoarsely (adverb): In a hoarse manner.
  • "Help," he called hoarsely.
• Hoarseness (noun): The state or quality of being hoarse.
  • The hoarseness in his voice was a symptom of laryngitis.

Synonyms

• Husky: Suggests a slightly rough but often attractive low voice.
• Gruff: Suggests a rough, low, and often brusque or unfriendly voice.
• Raspy: Emphasizes a grating, scratchy sound.
• Gravelly: Suggests a low, rough sound, like the sound of gravel.

Antonyms

• Clear
• Melodious
• Smooth
• Sonorous

Notes on Meaning

• Hoarse specifically refers to the resulting from strained or inflamed vocal cords. It is not a synonym for or ; a hoarse voice can be loud but rough.
• It is often associated with temporary conditions like colds, shouting, or fatigue, rather than permanent vocal characteristics.

Adjective

1. deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion
   • gruff voices
   • the dog's gruff barking
   • hoarse cries
   • makes all the instruments sound powerful but husky- Virgil Thomson