Vocabulary Spotlight
Cacophony
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
“The cacophony of car horns, construction, and sirens made the city streets overwhelming.”
Pronunciation
[ka-kof-uh-nee]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Clamor
Dissonance
Racket
Uproar
Antonyms
Melody
Silence
Tranquility
Peace
Related Words
Dissonance (noun)
Word Origin
The word “cacophony” originates from the Greek words “kakos,” meaning “bad,” and “phone,” meaning “sound” or “voice.” It entered the English language in the mid-17th century to describe discordant or unpleasant sounds.
Word Family
Noun: Cacophony – A harsh or discordant mixture of sounds.
Adjective: Cacophonous – Having a harsh, discordant sound.
Related Noun: Cacophonics – The study or creation of harsh, discordant sounds.
Mnemonics
Chaotic Arrangement Creates Overwhelming Physical Harmony Overwhelming Noise Yuck!
This mnemonic shows that cacophony relates to a chaotic and unpleasant mix of sounds.
Industry-specific Usage
Music
In experimental music, cacophony can be purposefully used to evoke strong emotions or create a unique auditory experience.
Urban Planning
In urban planning, managing cacophony is part of sound pollution control, as urban environments often suffer from excess noise due to traffic, construction, and public gatherings.
Literature
Authors often describe cacophony to evoke a chaotic scene or add to the intensity of an atmosphere, especially in scenes depicting conflict or bustling city life.
In Context
In everyday life, people experience cacophony in crowded spaces, such as city centers or events, where numerous sounds overlap and create an overwhelming noise level.
In workplaces, noise-canceling solutions are often implemented to combat the cacophony of open office spaces, enhancing focus and productivity.
In nature, a cacophony of birds or insects can fill the air, particularly in rainforests or during migration seasons, adding to the vibrancy of the ecosystem.