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Raspy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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raspy

[ˈræspi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

voice quality

Having a rough, harsh sound, as if caused by a sore throat or dryness.

Synonyms

croaky, gravelly, hoarse, husky, scratchy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
raspy

Describes a rough, harsh, and grating voice, often due to irritation or illness.

  • After shouting all day at the concert, his voice became raspy
  • Her tone was raspy from the cold
hoarse

A describes a husky, rough voice, usually caused by shouting, fatigue, or an infection.

  • She became hoarse after cheering for hours at the game
  • His voice was hoarse, but he kept on speaking
gravelly

Refers to a deep, rough, and harsh voice, like the sound of gravel being moved.

  • His gravelly voice made him perfect for narrating haunted house stories
  • She answered in a gravelly whisper
scratchy

Describes a harsh, irritating voice, as if something is scratching or irritating the throat.

  • Her voice sounded scratchy after the long lecture
  • With a scratchy voice, he asked for a glass of water
husky

Refers to a slightly breathy, low, and often attractively rough voice.

  • She greeted him with a husky voice that caught his attention
  • His husky tone was both soothing and intriguing
croaky

Indicates a low, rough, and often frog-like voice, typically due to a sore throat or cold.

  • He sounded croaky when he caught a bad cold
  • Her croaky voice made it difficult to understand her

Examples of usage

  • My voice became raspy after shouting at the concert all night.
  • She had a raspy cough that lingered for weeks.
  • The old man's raspy laughter echoed through the room.
  • The singer's raspy vocals added a unique texture to the song.
  • His raspy whisper was barely audible.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sound Studies

  • Raspy sounds can occur due to vocal cord strain, which may happen after shouting or illness.
  • In music, raspy voices are sometimes preferred for their unique, gritty texture, adding character to a performance.
  • Certain musical genres like blues often feature artists with raspy, soulful voices that evoke strong emotions.

Health

  • A raspy voice can indicate a condition such as laryngitis, where vocal cords become inflamed.
  • Staying hydrated is crucial for preventing a raspy voice, as it keeps the vocal cords lubricated.
  • Certain allergies or irritants in the air can also cause a temporary raspy voice from throat irritation.

Pop Culture

  • Famous musicians like Rod Stewart and Janis Joplin are known for their distinctive raspy voices, which contributed to their unique sound.
  • In film, characters with raspy voices often portray rough or tough personalities, enhancing their dramatic effect.
  • Voice actors may intentionally adopt a raspy tone for specific characters, making them more memorable in animation.

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, a raspy quality can be described as 'voiced creaky' sounds, contributing to how we perceive a person's emotional state.
  • Certain accents may have a naturally raspy tone, influenced by regional dialects and speech patterns.
  • The use of a raspy voice can convey emotion, often suggesting fatigue, frustration, or a deep intensity in conversations.

Origin of 'raspy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'raspy' comes from the Old English 'raspian', meaning to scrape or have a harsh sound.
  • It has been used since the early 19th century to describe sounds that are rough or scratchy.
  • In literature, it often describes voices that sound hoarse, indicating a speaker may be tired or sick.

The word 'raspy' is believed to have originated in the late 18th century, derived from the verb 'rasp' which means 'to grate or scrape harshly'. Over time, 'raspy' evolved to describe the rough or harsh sound produced by a voice or other objects. The term has been commonly used in English literature and everyday language to depict a particular quality of sound.

See also: rasp, rasping.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,619, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.