Shrilliest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrilliest

[หˆสƒrษชliษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

descriptive quality

The term 'shrilliest' is the superlative form of 'shrill', which describes a sound that is high-pitched and piercing. It is often used to characterize voices or sounds that are unpleasantly loud or harsh.

Synonyms

highest, loudest, piercingest.

Examples of usage

  • Her voice reached its shrilliest pitch during the argument.
  • The alarm emitted its shrilliest tone to wake everyone up.
  • The shrilliest notes of the violin pierced through the orchestral sound.

Translations

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Origin of 'shrilliest'

The word 'shrill' has its origins in the Old English word 'scrฤซllan', which means 'to cry out or scream'. This root reflects the essence of producing a loud and high-pitched sound. Over time, 'shrill' evolved to describe sounds that are not just loud but also have a piercing quality, often associated with discomfort. The superlative form 'shrilliest' emerged as an extension of this adjective, used to emphasize the extreme quality of the sound. The use of 'shrill' and its derivatives has been prevalent in English literature, particularly in describing characters or situations that evoke strong emotional responses through sound.