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cacophony

noun

/kəˈkɒfəni/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of cacophony

A harsh, discordant, and chaotic mixture of sounds or voices that create a jarring and unpleasant auditory experience.
"The cacophony of birds singing in the morning was a symphony to his ears."

Detailed meaning of cacophony

It is characterized by the presence of various, often conflicting, noises that clash and disrupt any sense of harmony or order. Cacophonies can result from a combination of dissonant musical notes, a cacophony of voices in a crowded room, or a medley of loud and conflicting noises in an urban environment. This term is often used to describe situations or sounds that are overwhelming, noisy, and lacking in coherence, creating a sense of chaos and discomfort. In literature and rhetoric, "cacophony" can also be used metaphorically to describe the use of harsh or discordant language for effect, evoking a sense of disturbance or tension in the reader or listener.

Example sentences containing cacophony

1. The street was filled with a cacophony of honking horns.
2. Amid the cacophony of voices, he struggled to be heard.
3. The classroom erupted into a cacophony of laughter.
4. In the city, the constant cacophony can be overwhelming.
5. The orchestra's performance turned into a cacophony of dissonance.
6. The cacophony of sirens echoed through the night.

History and etymology of cacophony

The noun 'cacophony' has its etymological origins in the Greek word 'kakophonia,' which is a combination of 'kakos,' meaning 'bad' or 'harsh,' and 'phone,' meaning 'sound' or 'voice.' Therefore, the etymology of 'cacophony' can be interpreted as a representation of unpleasant or harsh sounds. This word's history mirrors its essence, as it describes a dissonant and chaotic mixture of sounds or voices that clash and create a jarring auditory experience. The harshness and discord inherent in its etymology are fittingly reflected in the cacophonous nature of the word itself, making it an apt term to depict such a cacophonous auditory phenomenon.

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Further usage examples of cacophony

1. The protest became a cacophony of chants and slogans.
2. The cacophony of the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
3. The cacophony of a busy market is a sensory overload.
4. The party guests created a cacophony of conversation.
5. The cacophony of the subway station was deafening.
6. The thunderstorm's cacophony kept them awake all night.
7. The classroom's cacophony settled into focused discussion.
8. The cacophony of the jungle came alive after sunset.
9. In the chaos, a cacophony of alarms sounded.
10. The symphony started as a cacophony of tuning instruments.
11. The debate devolved into a cacophony of shouting.
12. The cacophony of the carnival delighted the children.
13. The crowded stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers.
14. The cacophony of the busy restaurant added to its ambiance.
15. The construction site was a cacophony of hammering, drilling, and machinery.
16. As the orchestra tuned their instruments, the audience was greeted with a cacophony of sounds.
17. The cacophony of the bustling market included vendors shouting, customers haggling, and the sounds of carts and footsteps.
18. When all the students started talking at once, the classroom became a cacophony that the teacher struggled to calm.
19. In the forest, the cacophony of birds, insects, and rustling leaves created a lively ambiance.
20. The cacophony of car horns during the traffic jam was almost deafening.
21. In the city, the cacophony of sirens, traffic, and street noises is a constant backdrop to daily life.
22. The kitchen was filled with a cacophony of pots and pans clanging as the chefs hurried to prepare the meal.
23. His room was a cacophony of video game sounds, music, and friends chatting.
24. The cacophony of different music genres playing at the festival blended into an eclectic mix.
25. As the clock struck midnight, a cacophony of fireworks and cheers erupted to welcome the New Year.
26. The band's experimental music was a cacophony of electronic sounds, distorted guitars, and unusual rhythms.