The word "more stridulent" is spelled as /mɔːr ˈstrɪdjʊlənt/. The first syllable, "more," is pronounced as "mawr" with the long "o" sound. The second syllable, "strid," is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a slight emphasis on the "d" at the end. The last syllable, "ulent," is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a stress on the "u" and "l" sounds. Together, the word means having a harsh, grating sound.
More strident is a comparative adjective that describes a sound or voice that is even more harsh, sharp, or piercing than something already considered strident. The term "strident" itself refers to a loud, grating, or shrill quality that tends to attract attention or provoke annoyance. When something is described as "more strident," it denotes a further intensification of these already existing qualities.
In the context of sounds, a more strident noise could be compared to the screech of nails on a chalkboard, a high-pitched siren, or a piercing alarm that is particularly jarring and discomforting to the ears. It can be associated with a lack of subtlety or gentleness in the way the sound is produced, often evoking a sense of irritation, agitation, or distress in those who hear it.
When applied to a voice, "more strident" suggests that it possesses an even greater degree of harshness, intensity, or assertiveness. A more strident voice may be perceived as being excessively loud, forceful, or grating, lacking the softness or mellowness typically associated with a pleasant or soothing tone. It often evokes emotions such as annoyance, anger, or even fear in listeners due to its confrontational or abrasive nature.
In summary, "more strident" is an adjective used to describe a sound or voice that is more piercing, grating, or unpleasant than something already considered strident. It indicates an amplification of the qualities associated with stridency, particularly in terms of volume, intensity, and lack of gentleness.
The word "stridulent" originates from the Latin word "stridulus", which means "creaking, grating, or hissing". It is derived from the verb "stridere", meaning "to make a harsh sound". The term "more" comes from Old English "māra", meaning "greater" or "most". When combined, "more stridulent" refers to something that is even more harsh or grating in sound or tone.