Shrill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Shrill describes a high-pitched, sharp, or piercing sound, often unpleasant to hear. It can also refer to a voice or tone that is loud and harsh in quality.
Definition:
High-pitched and piercing in sound or tone, often unpleasant to hear.
Synonyms:
piercing, screeching, strident, sharp
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb
Antonyms:
soft, mellow
Common Collocations:
shrill voice, shrill sound, shrill cry, shrill whistle
Derivatives:
shrillness, shrilly
Usage Tips:
Use "shrill" to describe sounds that are uncomfortably high and loud, like alarms or screams.
Common Phrases:
shrill as a whistle, shrill with excitement, a shrill protest
Etymology:
Originates from Old English "scrallettan," meaning to sound loudly or harshly.
Examples:
- 1. The alarm emitted a shrill noise that startled everyone.
- 2. Her shrill laughter echoed through the quiet room.
- 3. The bird's call was unusually shrill at dawn.
- 4. He spoke in a shrill tone when he was angry.