Vocabulary Spotlight

Blared

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To emit a loud, harsh sound; to make or produce an extremely loud and piercing noise.

“The sirens blared through the quiet streets, alarming everyone nearby.”

Pronunciation

[blerd]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Blast
Roar
Echo
Trumpet
Boom

Antonyms

Whisper
Hush
Murmur
Silence
Muffle

Related Words

Sound
Noise
Alarm

Word Origin

The term “blare” emerged in English in the 15th century, likely as an imitative word to convey the sense of loud or harsh sounds, especially of horns or trumpets. It is believed to mimic the noise itself, with its roots associated with loud, trumpet-like sounds.

Word Family

Noun: Blare – A loud, harsh sound, such as a siren or trumpet.

Verb: Blared – The past tense of blare, indicating that a loud sound has already occurred.

Present Participle: Blaring – Used to describe an ongoing or continuous loud noise.

Mnemonics

Think of “BLare” as “B-Loudly” – it helps remember that to blare is to sound something out loudly.

Another mnemonic: “Blaring” sounds similar to “blasting,” both suggesting loud noises.

Industry-specific Usage

Emergency Services

In emergency services, “blare” describes the sound of sirens used by ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles to alert others and clear traffic.

Music and Entertainment

In concerts and music events, speakers often “blare” music to create an immersive, loud experience for the audience.

Public Announcements

In public spaces, announcements may “blare” through loudspeakers to ensure they reach large crowds, particularly in noisy environments.

In Context

In daily life, the word “blare” is often associated with sounds that grab immediate attention, such as car horns, alarms, and loudspeakers. In urban settings, blaring sounds are common and can signal anything from a passing emergency vehicle to a celebratory parade.

In literature, authors may use “blared” to convey a sudden, jarring sound that disrupts calm moments, enhancing the dramatic tension of a scene.

On a social level, blaring music or sounds are often part of celebrations, protests, or public events where getting the attention of a large audience is necessary.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following is the opposite of “blared”?

Roared
Whispered
Echoed
Boomed

“Whispered” is the correct answer. While “blared” suggests a loud noise, “whispered” implies a quiet, soft sound, making it the opposite.

2. Fill in the blank: The radio _______ with the latest news about the storm.

blared
whispered
murmured
hummed

“Blaring” is suitable here because the radio was broadcasting loud news updates, capturing attention with urgency.

3. In which setting would “blared” most likely be used?

A person softly reading a book
A gentle lullaby
An emergency siren in the city
A quiet office space

“An emergency siren in the city” is correct, as sirens are loud sounds intended to alert people and fit the definition of “blared.”