Shrilly Meaning and Definition
Shrilly
Pronunciation
/ˈʃrɪlɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun or adjective
Definition
A type of vocalization characterized by a high-pitched, nasal sound, often used to convey annoyance, frustration, or irritation.
Examples
- The shrilly whistling of the birds filled the air.
- Her shrilly rebuke startled the would-be thief.
Synonyms
- Shriek
- Screech
Antonyms
- Murmur
- Hum
Etymology
The word “Shrilly” originates from the Old English word “scirel”, meaning “to shout or scream”, which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “*skiriz”, also meaning “to shout”.
Usage Notes
Shrilly is often used to describe a sound that is high-pitched and piercing, and can be used to convey a range of emotions, from annoyance to excitement.
Cultural References
Shrilly is often used in comedy, particularly in slapstick or fare, to convey a sense of frustration or exasperation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To make a shrilly sound” means to make a high-pitched noise, often in frustration or annoyance.
Related Words or Phrases
Squeal, shriek, screech
Collocations
Piercing, ear-piercing, high-pitched, nasal
Frequency of Use
Shrilly is a relatively rare word, but it is often used in informal language, particularly in narrative or descriptive writing.
Common Misspellings
Gerbera, Shillary, Shrily