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Jarring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jarring

[หˆdส’ษ‘หrษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

Having a harsh, discordant sound; grating; incongruous; clashing.

Synonyms

clashing, discordant, dissonant, grating, harsh.

Examples of usage

  • The jarring sound of the alarm clock woke me up.
  • Her jarring voice echoed through the empty hallway.
  • The jarring clash of cymbals interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.
  • The jarring noise of construction outside made it difficult to concentrate.
  • The sudden jarring noise startled the birds in the trees.
Context #2 | Verb

impact

To have a harsh, grating, or discordant effect on someone's nerves, feelings, or senses.

Synonyms

disconcert, disturb, jolt, shock, unsettle.

Examples of usage

  • The constant honking of car horns was starting to jar on my nerves.
  • His rude comments jarred with the friendly atmosphere of the party.
  • The sudden change in temperature jarred her senses.
  • The violent movie scenes jarred with her peaceful outlook on life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Unexpected events can trigger strong emotional reactions, such as anxiety or surprise.
  • The brain often processes jarring stimuli differently, prioritizing immediate responses for safety.
  • Repeated jarring experiences can lead to desensitization, where individuals become less affected over time.

Art and Culture

  • In film, a jarring scene can create tension and keep audiences engaged, like sudden cuts or loud music.
  • Many contemporary artists use jarring contrasts in colors or shapes to evoke strong emotional responses.
  • The use of jarring elements in literature can signify a characterโ€™s internal conflict or societal issues.

Sociolinguistics

  • Language can be jarring when speakers mix formal and informal styles, causing confusion.
  • Jarring metaphors in conversations can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretation of meanings.
  • Regional accents or dialects might sound jarring to those unfamiliar with them, affecting communication.

Technology

  • Jarring user experiences in software can lead to frustration; designers strive for intuitive interfaces.
  • In virtual reality, unexpected jarring movements can cause discomfort or motion sickness in users.
  • Audio notifications on devices are often designed to be jarring enough to catch attention without being annoying.

Origin of 'jarring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'jerren', meaning to strum or make a noise.
  • Its use as an adjective started in the late 19th century to describe sounds that are harsh or discordant.
  • In music, 'jarring' can describe notes that don't harmonize, creating a feeling of discomfort.

The word 'jarring' originated from the Middle English word 'jaren', meaning 'to make a harsh, discordant noise'. It evolved over time to encompass not only sound but also the impact of something being incongruous or clashing. The adjective form of 'jarring' has been used since the 17th century to describe harsh or discordant sounds, while the verb form emerged later to describe the impact something has on one's nerves or senses.

See also: jar.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,922, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.