How Do You Spell CACOPHONOUS?

Pronunciation: [kɐkˈɒfənəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "cacophonous" can be quite tricky for English language learners. It is derived from the Greek word "kakos" (meaning "bad") and "phone" (meaning "sound"), and is pronounced /kəˈkɒfənəs/. The IPA phonetic transcription breakdown of the word is "ka-ko-fo-nus." The emphasis is placed on the second syllable, and the first syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound. The spelling of the word can be remembered by breaking it down into its smaller parts and focusing on the letter combinations in each syllable.

CACOPHONOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Cacophonous is an adjective used to describe a sound or an environment that is harsh, discordant, and unpleasant to the ears. Its etymology traces back to the Greek words "kakos" meaning "bad" and "phone" meaning "sound," forming the meaning "bad sound" or "ugly sound."

   When applied to sounds, cacophonous refers to a chaotic and jarring combination of noises, often lacking harmony or coherence. It is typically associated with loud and dissonant sounds that can be overwhelming or irritating. These sounds may arise from a multitude of sources, such as screeching car brakes, blaring klaxons, a raucous crowd, or a symphony out of tune.

   Furthermore, cacophonous can also refer to an environment or situation that is characterized by a lack of harmony or agreement. This extends beyond auditory experiences and can describe a visual or conceptual disarray. For instance, a cacophonous classroom might be one where students are shouting over each other, creating a state of confusion and disorder.

   Overall, cacophonous is a term that symbolizes the negative aspects of sounds or situations that are loud, raucous, and disharmonious. It encapsulates a sense of unpleasantness and chaos, often evoking discomfort or annoyance in individuals who experience it.

2. Harsh-sounding.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CACOPHONOUS

• cacophonus
• cacaphonous
• xacophonous
• vacophonous
• facophonous
• dacophonous
• czcophonous
• cscophonous
• cwcophonous
• cqcophonous
• caxophonous
• cavophonous
• cafophonous
• cadophonous
• caciphonous
• cackphonous
• Cocogonous
• cackaphonous
• cackophoneous
• Sarcophonous
• Cimofanous

Etymology of CACOPHONOUS

The word cacophonous comes from the Greek word kakos, meaning bad or evil, and the Greek word phone, meaning voice or sound.

Similar spelling words for CACOPHONOUS

• cacophony,
• cacophonic.