Shrillier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shrillier
[ˈʃrɪliər ]
Definition
sound quality
The word 'shrillier' is the comparative form of 'shrill,' which describes a high-pitched and piercing sound. When something is described as shrillier, it means it is producing a sharper or more jarring noise than something else. This word often conveys an unpleasant or irritating sound, commonly associated with voices or certain instruments. In everyday use, it's often employed when comparing sounds that cause discomfort due to their intensity.
Synonyms
keen, piercer, squeaker, strident.
Examples of usage
- The whistle sounded even shrillier than before.
- Her shrillier laugh could be heard across the room.
- The child cried shrillier when he didn't get his way.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- High-pitched sounds, like those described as 'shrill', can trigger stronger emotional reactions, often making us feel more alert.
- Research suggests that people may perceive shrill noises as urgent or demanding our attention, which explains why they can be so impactful.
- Loud, high-pitched voices can also create a sense of anxiety or discomfort, influencing how we communicate with others.
Pop Culture
- In movies, distraught characters often use shrill screams to signify terror or panic, highlighting the power of sound in storytelling.
- The musical genre of 'screamo' often features shrill vocals, showcasing how they convey emotions such as anger or aggression.
- Iconic cartoon characters often use shrill voices for comedic effect, amplifying their quirky personalities and charm.
Literature
- In classic literature, shrill voices are often used to characterize old or nagging figures, symbolizing annoyance or tension.
- Authors sometimes use the term 'shrill' to describe nature sounds, like crows or certain insects, to paint vivid imagery of a scene.
- The word has also been employed in poetry to evoke strong sensory experiences, linking sound to the emotions of the moment.
Music
- Musical instruments like the piccolo produce very shrill sounds, often used to create bright, lively melodies in orchestras.
- Vocal techniques in opera and certain genres utilize shrill notes to evoke powerful, emotional responses from the audience.
- The term 'shrill' is also used in sound engineering to describe frequencies that can create tension in a musical composition.
Origin of 'shrillier'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shrill' comes from Old English 'scirran', which meant to cry out or make a loud noise.
- The suffix '-ier' is used in English to compare two things, so 'shrillier' means more shrill than another sound.
- Similar words, such as 'chillier', also use the same comparison format, showing how sounds or temperatures can vary.
The adjective 'shrill' originates from the Middle English word 'shril,' which meant sharp or high in pitch, and it is derived from the Old English 'sceor,' meaning to tear or rend. The term has evolved in usage over the centuries, often associated with sounds that are high and piercing. The comparative form 'shrillier' follows the regular pattern of forming comparatives in English by adding the suffix '-ier' to the word. It reflects the unique phonetic characteristics of English where the sound quality is emphasized. As society and culture evolved, so did the contexts in which 'shrillier' is used, often indicating annoyance, alarm, or attention-grabbing audibility.