Definition

1. Noun:
   • A throaty harshness: The quality of a voice that is deep, rough, and slightly hoarse, often in a way that is perceived as attractive or distinctive.
   • The property of being big and strong: The state or quality of having a robust, sturdy, and powerful physical build.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Voice Quality): The singer's huskiness gave her blues performances a raw, emotional quality. After cheering at the game all day, he spoke with a noticeable huskiness.

• Noun (Physical Build): The huskiness of the lumberjack was evident as he easily lifted the heavy logs. The breed of dog is known for its general huskiness and endurance.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Use: Often used to describe a desirable, characteristic quality in a voice, implying a certain texture or emotional depth.
• Comparative Use: Can be used to compare the robustness of objects or animals, not just humans.

Variants and Related Words

• Husky (Adjective):
  • (Of a voice) Deep, rough, and slightly hoarse. She answered with a husky whisper.
  • (Of a person or animal) Big and strong; powerfully built. He was tall and husky.
• Huskily (Adverb): In a deep, rough, and slightly hoarse manner.

Synonyms

• For voice quality: Hoarseness, roughness, throatiness, grittiness.
• For physical build: Sturdiness, robustness, brawniness, burliness.

Antonyms

• For voice quality: Clarity, smoothness, mellowness, sweetness.
• For physical build: Slenderness, frailty, delicacy, slightness.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A husky tone/voice: A common collocation describing the specific sound quality.
• Built with huskiness: A phrase emphasizing a sturdy physical construction.

Noun

1. a throaty harshness
2. the property of being big and strong