Stridency - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound quality

Stridency refers to a harsh, grating, or discordant quality of sound. It is often characterized by a piercing or shrill tone that can be unpleasant to the ears. This term is frequently used in the context of music, speech, or any auditory phenomenon that lacks mellowness. Strident sounds tend to dominate the auditory landscape, making them noticeable and often jarring.

Synonyms

grating, harshness, piercing, shrilness.

Examples of usage

The stridency of her voice made it hard to listen.
The stridency of the alarm was alarming.
His strident remarks during the meeting drew everyone's attention.
The stridency of the siren cut through the night air.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Strident voices in arguments can trigger stress responses in listeners, making it harder to process the message calmly.
People with strident opinions may be perceived as more persuasive, but they can also alienate those who disagree.
Research shows that when people hear strident conversations, they often tune out or become defensive.

Music

In music, stridency can refer to harsh or piercing tones, often created by certain instruments like trumpets or electric guitars.
Strident vocals can be a stylistic choice in various genres, conveying strong emotions or urgency.
Some musical critiques note that stridency in melodies may detract from the overall harmony of a composition.

Literature

Writers sometimes use stridency in dialogue to reflect character traits, showing a character's passion or aggression.
In literary criticism, a strident tone may indicate a strong moral argument or a call to action against perceived injustices.
Classic literature often contrasts strident voices with softer, more reflective ones to create tension in narratives.

Communication

Stridency can be both a strength and a weakness in communication; it captures attention but can also lead to misunderstandings.
In debate settings, strident delivery can sway audiences, yet overuse can diminish credibility and trust.
Effective speakers balance stridency with calmness to communicate their message while maintaining audience engagement.

Origin of 'stridency'

Main points about word origin

It comes from the Latin word 'stridens', meaning 'to creak' or 'to chirp', reflecting sharp, penetrating sounds.
The term has evolved in English to describe any loud and unpleasant noise, often related to opinions or arguments.
The suffix '-ency' indicates a state or condition, expanding the meaning to a state of being strident.

The word 'stridency' originates from the Latin term 'stridens', which means 'to make a shrill sound'. This term itself is derived from the verb 'stridere', meaning 'to creak' or 'to hiss'. The usage of the word began to emerge in the English language in the late 19th century, capturing the essence of sharp and unsettling sounds. Its connotation has remained consistent, often linking it to negative auditory experiences that are intrusive or overwhelming. Over time, 'stridency' has been employed in various contexts, from critiquing music that is excessively loud or harsh to describing voices or statements that are blunt or excessively forceful. This historical trajectory highlights how language evolves to encapsulate sensory experiences and perceptions.

Stridency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations