squalling
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Characterized by or producing loud, harsh, and prolonged cries or noises: Describes a state of making a loud, high-pitched, and often distressed or angry sound, typically associated with babies, young children, or strong winds. 2. Characterized by short periods of noisy commotion or disturbance: Describes an environment or situation that is intermittently loud, turbulent, and unsettled.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- The squalling infant could not be comforted. (The baby, who was crying loudly and harshly, could not be comforted.)
- We took shelter from the squalling wind and rain. (We took shelter from the wind and rain that were making loud, howling noises.)
- The meeting was long and squalling, with frequent heated arguments. (The meeting was long and characterized by noisy periods of commotion and disagreement.)
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive Use: Often used to evoke a sense of unpleasant, piercing noise or chaotic disturbance.
- He tried to concentrate over the squalling of the car alarms. (He tried to concentrate despite the loud, harsh noise of the car alarms.)
- Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical noise, such as vehement verbal protest.
- The politician faced a squalling mob of protesters. (The politician faced a noisy and vociferously protesting crowd.)
Variants and Related Words
- Squall (noun): A sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet. Also, a loud, harsh cry or scream.
- A sudden squall capsized the small boat.
- Squall (verb): To cry or scream loudly and harshly.
- The toddler began to squall when his toy was taken away.
Synonyms
- Howling: Making a long, loud, crying sound (like wind or a wolf).
- Wailing: Making a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
- Blustering: Talking or acting in a noisy, boastful, or angry way.
- Turbulent: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.
Antonyms
- Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; (of weather) pleasantly free from wind.
- Peaceful: Free from disturbance; tranquil.
- Quiet: Making little or no noise.
- Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Adjective
- characterized by short periods of noisy commotion
- a home life that has been extraordinarily squally