Vocabulary word Strident - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Annoyance and Irritation

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Middle School 5

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Noise and Turmoil

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Sensory and Perception

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Dictionary Definition of strident

Loud, harsh, and grating, often to the point of being discordant or irritating.
"The strident cries of the protesters could be heard from blocks away."

Detailed Meaning of Strident

When applied to auditory experiences, "strident" signifies a quality of sound that is piercing, shrill, or forcefully pronounced, causing discomfort or annoyance to the listener. In speech, a strident voice is one that comes across as aggressive, forceful, or vehement, often lacking in gentleness or subtlety. In the realm of opinions and discourse, "strident" characterizes viewpoints or expressions that are forcefully and loudly asserted, without room for compromise or moderation, and that can provoke strong reactions or disagreements. This term conveys a sense of aggressiveness and discord, suggesting that the sound, voice, or opinion in question stands out prominently but not necessarily in a pleasant or harmonious way.

Example Sentences for Strident

1. The strident noise of the jackhammer echoed down the street.
2. Her strident criticism left no room for compromise.
3. The strident voice on the megaphone was hard to ignore.
4. A strident alarm blared, alerting everyone to evacuate.
5. The car's strident horn honked impatiently in traffic.
6. His strident demands for attention became tiresome.

Origin and Etymology of Strident

The adjective 'strident' has its etymological roots in Latin, particularly from the word 'stridere,' which means 'to make a harsh noise' or 'to grate.' This Latin term aptly reflects the essence of 'strident,' as it is used to describe sounds or voices that are loud, harsh, and grating, often to the point of being discordant or irritating. The etymology of 'strident' emphasizes the idea of a harsh and grating quality, akin to the sound of something rubbing or scraping against a rough surface, capturing the discomforting nature of such sounds.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective strident:

soothing

melodic

harmonious

harsh

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Strident

1. The strident music from the neighboring apartment disrupted their peace.
2. The argument escalated into a strident shouting match.
3. The strident barking of the dog annoyed the neighbors.
4. The strident tone of the email conveyed frustration.
5. A strident siren wailed as the ambulance rushed by.
6. Her strident laughter filled the room with energy.
7. The strident ringtone on his phone startled everyone.
8. The political debate grew increasingly strident.
9. The strident hum of machinery filled the factory.
10. The teacher's strident admonition quieted the class.
11. The strident advertising jingles stuck in his head.
12. The strident clatter of dishes in the kitchen indicated dinner was ready.
13. A strident clash of opinions divided the group.
14. The strident notes from the violin pierced the silence.
15. The strident call of the crow disrupted the peaceful morning.
16. The strident sound of the chainsaw echoed through the woods.
17. The strident debate on the radio drew listeners' attention.
18. His strident protestations grew more intense.
19. The strident noise of the construction site continued all day.
20. The strident critique of the artwork caused controversy.
21. A strident argument broke out over the controversial topic.
22. The strident ring of the telephone interrupted the meeting.
23. The strident clash of cymbals marked the climax of the music.
24. The strident protests outside the government building were heard for miles.