shrilly
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a high-pitched and piercing manner: Describes an action, typically a sound, that is loud, sharp, and unpleasant to the ear due to its high frequency and intensity.
Usage
The adverb "shrilly" is used to modify verbs, primarily those related to producing sound (e.g., cry, scream, sing, speak, whistle). It describes the quality of the sound as unpleasantly high and sharp. - It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a sound that is grating, strident, or indicative of alarm, anger, or distress. - Example: The alarm rang shrilly through the silent building.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Used figuratively to describe forceful, high-pitched communication: While primarily for sound, it can describe the manner of speaking or writing that is perceived as stridently insistent or complaining.
- The critic wrote shrilly about the director's latest film.
Variants and Related Words
- Shrill (adjective): Having a high-pitched and piercing sound or quality.
- a shrill whistle
- Shrillness (noun): The quality of being shrill.
- the shrillness of her voice
Synonyms
- Stridently: In a loud, harsh, and forceful way.
- Piercingly: In a very loud, high, and sharp way.
- Screechingly: With a loud, high, and unpleasant sound like a screech.
Antonyms
- Softly: In a quiet and gentle manner.
- Deeply: In a low-pitched sound.
- Mellifluously: In a sweet or musical manner.
Related Phrases/Idioms
(Note: "Shrilly" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. The related adjective "shrill" is used instead.) - To sound/turn shrill: To become high-pitched and strident, often describing discourse or criticism. - The political debate turned shrill as the election neared.
Adverb
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in a shrill voice
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she sang rather shrilly
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