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Cacophonous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cacophonous

[kəˈkɒf(ə)nəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

Involving or producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Synonyms

clamorous, discordant, dissonant, jarring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cacophonous

Appropriate when referring to a harsh, jumbled mixture of sounds that are unpleasant and chaotic.

  • The city's streets were cacophonous with the sounds of traffic, construction, and bustling crowds
discordant

Best used when referring to sounds that clash or do not harmonize well together, creating a sense of disharmony.

  • The musician's instruments were discordant, creating a cacophony that was difficult to listen to
dissonant

Refers to a combination of sounds that are inharmonious and create a sense of tension or discomfort.

  • The film's soundtrack included dissonant melodies that heightened the suspense in key scenes
jarring

Describes a sudden, unpleasant, and unexpected noise or effect that disrupts harmony or balance.

  • The alarm clock's jarring ring jolted him awake from his deep sleep
clamorous

Used to describe a loud and insistent noise or outcry, often from a large group of people demanding attention.

  • The protesters outside the building were clamorous, shouting their demands for change

Examples of usage

  • The cacophonous traffic in the city was overwhelming.
  • His speech was drowned out by the cacophonous music playing in the background.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, cacophonous sounds can occur when different instruments play dissonant notes together, creating a jarring effect.
  • Some avant-garde composers intentionally use cacophonous sounds to challenge traditional perceptions of music.
  • The term is often used in reviews of performances where sound quality is poor or when multiple contrasting styles clash.

Psychology

  • Research shows that cacophonous sounds can lead to stress and discomfort, as they may overload our auditory processing.
  • Certain environments filled with harsh sounds can affect concentration and mood, leading to decreased productivity.
  • Cacophony is often used in sound therapy to highlight contrasts, helping listeners appreciate harmonious sounds more deeply.

Literature

  • Writers often use cacophonous language to create a chaotic or disturbing atmosphere in their narratives.
  • Poets like Walt Whitman used sound devices to evoke strong emotions through the sensation of harshness in their verses.
  • Descriptive passages featuring cacophony can make scenes more vivid, drawing readers into the turmoil of a setting.

Everyday Life

  • Cities can be cacophonous places, filled with honking horns, shouting people, and construction noises all mixing together.
  • Certain art installations intentionally create cacophonous soundscapes to provoke thought and reflection.
  • During celebrations like parades or festivals, cacophonous noise can heighten the energy and excitement of the events.

Origin of 'cacophonous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kakophonia', where 'kakos' means 'bad' and 'phone' means 'voice' or 'sound'.
  • It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe unpleasant noises.
  • The prefix 'caco-' appears in other English words too, like 'cacography' which means bad handwriting.

The word 'cacophonous' is derived from the Greek words 'kakos' meaning 'bad' and 'phone' meaning 'voice'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The term is commonly used to describe unpleasant or harsh sounds that create a sense of chaos or disorder.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,182, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.