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stentorian

adjective

/stɛnˈtɔːriən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stentorian

Having a loud, powerful, and booming voice or sound that commands attention and resonates with authority.
"The general's stentorian commands instilled fear and obedience in the soldiers."

Detailed meaning of stentorian

Derived from the Greek mythological figure Stentor, known for his extremely powerful voice, this term is often used to depict a person or thing that possesses an impressive and penetrating vocal quality. When someone speaks in a stentorian manner, their voice effortlessly fills a room, capturing the immediate attention of all listeners. It conveys a sense of strength, confidence, and assertiveness, capable of cutting through noise and distractions to make a resounding impact. Whether it is a public speaker, an actor, or even an instrument, anything described as stentorian exudes an unwavering presence and an unmistakable sense of authority.

Example sentences containing stentorian

1. The stentorian roar of the crowd filled the stadium, drowning out all other sounds.
2. The CEO's stentorian voice echoed through the boardroom, commanding everyone's attention.
3. The opera singer possessed a stentorian voice that could reach the farthest corners of the theater.
4. The professor's stentorian lectures captivated the students, making it impossible to doze off.
5. The alarm blared in a stentorian manner, alerting the entire building to the fire.
6. The thunder rumbled with a stentorian force, shaking the windows and rattling the walls.

History and etymology of stentorian

The adjective 'stentorian' has its etymological roots in Greek mythology. It is named after Stentor, a character in Greek mythology who was a herald with an extraordinarily loud and powerful voice. In Homer's epic 'The Iliad,' Stentor is described as having a voice as powerful as that of fifty men combined. His voice was so loud that he could be heard clearly over the noise of battle. Over time, the term 'stentorian' came to be used metaphorically to describe individuals or sounds with a loud, powerful, and booming quality that commands attention and resonates with authority. It implies a voice or sound that is extraordinarily forceful and authoritative, much like the legendary herald of Greek mythology. Therefore, the etymology of 'stentorian' is linked to the mythological figure Stentor, emphasizing its historical connection to the concept of a voice that is commanding and attention-grabbing, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.

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Further usage examples of stentorian

1. The radio host had a stentorian voice that made every word sound captivating.
2. The politician's stentorian speeches inspired the masses and garnered widespread support.
3. The marching band played with a stentorian intensity, commanding attention from the entire parade.
4. The stentorian cry of the eagle pierced the silence of the forest, announcing its presence.
5. The judge's stentorian verdict resounded in the courtroom, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the trial.
6. The stentorian voice of the auctioneer filled the room, capturing everyone's immediate attention.
7. Her stentorian announcement over the PA system ensured that no one missed the important message.
8. Despite his small stature, he had a stentorian voice that commanded the attention of the entire hall.
9. The stentorian sounds of the church bells signaled the beginning of the solemn ceremony.
10. Even in a noisy crowd, her stentorian laugh could be distinctly heard, setting her apart.
11. During the storm, the stentorian crashes of thunder shook the windows and rattled the walls.
12. The captain's stentorian orders cut through the chaos, helping to maintain discipline on deck.
13. The stentorian roar of the waterfall dominated the tranquil sounds of nature surrounding it.
14. In the debate, his stentorian delivery made his points unforgettable, even if you disagreed.
15. The actor's stentorian performance in the play won him accolades from both critics and audiences.
16. The stentorian speaker easily projected her words to the back of the crowded auditorium.
17. The stentorian music from the live band energized the audience and got everybody dancing.
18. His stentorian narration added an air of authority and excitement to the documentary film.
19. The drill sergeant's stentorian voice ensured that every recruit snapped to attention instantly.
20. In the courtroom, the stentorian tones of the judge demanded respect from everyone present.
21. The opera singer's stentorian vocals held the audience in rapt attention from start to finish.
22. With stentorian clarity, the emergency broadcast cut through the regular programming.
23. The quarterback's stentorian calls helped his team stay coordinated amidst the stadium's noise.
24. The manager's stentorian insistence on quality made a lasting impression on the new employees.
25. She delivered the verdict in a stentorian voice, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation.