释义 |
cacophony|kæˈkɒfənɪ| [a. F. cacophonie, in 16th c. cacofonie, ad. (through mod.L.) Gr. κακοϕωνία, f. κακόϕωνος; see above. Formerly used in latinized form cacophonia.] 1. The quality of having an ill sound; the use of harsh-sounding words or phrases. (The opposite of euphony.)
1656Blount Glossogr., Cacophony, an ill, harsh, or unpleasing sound, (in words) a vitious utterance or pronunciation. 1733Swift Let. lxvi. Wks. 1761 VIII. 154 Alter rhymes, and grammar, and triplets, and cacophonies of all kinds. a1745― Wks. (1841) II. 419 To allow for the usual accidents of corruption, or the avoiding a cacophonia. 1753Chesterf. Lett. cclxvii, Avoid cacophony, and make your periods as harmonious as you can. 1847–8De Quincey Protestantism Wks. VIII. 140 My labours in the evasion of cacophony. 2. Music. A discordant combination of sounds, dissonance. Also fig. Moral discord.
a1789Burney Hist Mus. (ed. 2) I. viii. 133 What a cacophony would a complete chord occasion! 1831Macaulay Let. in Trevelyan Life & Lett. (1876) I. iv. 223 The oppressive privileges which had depressed industry would be a horrible cacophony. 1880Madame A. Goddard in Girl's Own Paper 13 Mar. 166 The continual holding down of the loud pedal produces unutterable cacophony. †3. Med. Old term for a harsh, grating, or discordant state of the voice (Mayne Exp. Lex.). |